VIRTUAL DIVORCE IS HERE!
Virtual Divorce provides an overall view of divorce: how to prepare for a divorce, the grounds for divorce, what happens during the divorce process, the differences between litigating, mediating or collaborating a divorce, alimony, parenting education, child support, child custody, and visitation, the separation agreement, and equitable distribution of marital property.
Connecticut is a pure "equitable distribution" state -- all property of the spouses is subject to distribution. After reading the 12+ statutory factors the court considers to determine whether or not to award alimony and the three stages of analysis used by the court regarding equitable distribution of property, including 15 considerations in the classification stage; 16 considerations in the valuation stage; and 20 considerations in the distribution stage, then the various methods, formula, plans for dividing assets, viewers are surprised that the social gossip and things they believed to be true, turn out to be different than the actual law.
The intent of "virtual divorce" is to provide a general awareness of divorce related topics, the process, the procedure and gentler, kinder methods to obtain divorce, such as mediation and collaboration, in order to empower and assist potential parties to ask informed questions and make informed decisions.
An introduction to the complex area of divorce law does not mean you can predict a result. The finality of any decision rests with the trial court. The trial court is in the best position to assess the circumstances surrounding the action, to view the demeanor, attitude and testimony of the parties.
Compare costs of Litigation vs. Mediation
Compare the dollars spent just at the beginning stage of mediation compared to the dollars spent just at the beginning stage in a battle until-you-win litigation.
Approximate Costs
Mediation Expense Litigation Expense
Cost of 1 mediator Cost of lawyer-client meeting
@ $250.00 per hour = $250.00 @ $425.00 per hour x 2 = $850.00
Information gathering= Analysis & preparation of lawsuit=
6 hours = $1500.00 20 hours @ $425.00 per hour x 2 = $18,850.00
Initial Subtotal = $1750.00 Initial Subtotal = $18850.00
