When divorcing, one of the first hurdles a client must overcome is deciding whether to immediately file the complaint for divorce, or to wait until his or her spouse can be made aware of the intent to divorce. While this choice can only be made by the client, there are pros and cons with both options.

Case Study:

A husband decides to file for divorce. Not wanting the divorce process to become a battle with his wife, he informs her of his intent. The following morning as he heads to work, where he plans to contact his attorney upon arrival, the wife is already packing up the kids to head to her mother’s home three states away – outside the jurisdiction of the Connecticut courts – but not before emptying the personal safety deposit box and bank account on her way out of town.

In Connecticut, automatic orders are attached to every complaint for divorce, effective upon being signed by the Plaintiff and being served to the Defendant. Instituted by the Court, these orders aim to maintain the status quo – legally and financially – while the divorce case is pending. Continue reading →