Westport Family Law Blog

The use of expert witnesses in divorce

On behalf of Parrino|Shattuck, PC on Monday, June 3, 2019.

People of substantial means commonly engage numerous experts when they get divorced. Disputes may arise regarding alimony, the division of financial assets, child custody and parenting-related decisions. Either party can ask a judge to consider the testimony of experts who look at everything from the value of real estate property to the impact of a living arrangement on a child’s well being.

What types of experts may be relevant to your case? The most common area for expert testimony is asset valuation. Business and real estate valuation experts and forensic accountants may present technical information pertaining to a specific subject. For example, experts may be required to determine the accurate value of a piece of real estate, or the accuracy of the financial disclosure that your spouse has made to the court.

Parenting Has Become Much More Intense

On behalf of Parrino|Shattuck, PC on Wednesday, February 27, 2019.

Modern parents are much more engaged than previous generations. In fact, studies show that working moms today spend an equal amount of time with their children as 1970s stay-at-home moms did. Furthermore, parents are spending substantially more money raising their children.

Can Increased Resiliency Help You Through Your Divorce?

On behalf of Parrino|Shattuck, PC on Wednesday, February 27, 2019.

For most people, divorce is a major source of stress. It disrupts day-to-day life and can be a very emotional process. While careful preparation and the assistance of a trusted attorney can help to ease the stress, an individual's resiliency may also have an impact.

An opinion piece from the New York Times argues that people may have the power to increase their resiliency, which can be beneficial in stressful times.

Do Entrepreneurs Face More Marital Challenges?

On behalf of Parrino|Shattuck, PC on Thursday, January 31, 2019.

Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos and MacKenzie Bezos recently announced that they are getting a divorce after 25 years of marriage. This case highlights the challenges that business owners and executives often face in equitably dividing their assets during a divorce.

Divorce And The Corporate Spouse

On behalf of Parrino|Shattuck, PC on Friday, December 14, 2018.

Behind the scenes, spouses may play an important role in the success of CEOs and other business leaders. They may serve as a sounding board, provide support and even offer suggestions about improving a business.

How To Avoid Choosing The Wrong Divorce Attorney

On behalf of Parrino|Shattuck, PC on Friday, December 7, 2018.

The attorney you choose to guide you through the divorce process will play a critical role in the outcome of your case. Choosing the wrong attorney can prove costly, time-consuming and ultimately impact the division of property, child custody and more. Thankfully, there are measures you can take to increase the likelihood of choosing the right attorney for you.

Is Divorce Public In Connecticut?

On behalf of Parrino|Shattuck, PC on Wednesday, November 14, 2018.

Divorce is a private matter. Most people would prefer to keep it confidential, particularly when they wish to limit the disclosure of sensitive or proprietary financial information or trade secrets. Some cases involve allegations of salacious information that could potentially harm a person's character. However, divorce is a matter of public record in Connecticut.

How Effective Are Premarital Agreements In Divorce?

On behalf of Parrino|Shattuck, PC on Friday, October 26, 2018.

People going through a divorce often assume that challenges to premarital agreements are impossible. However, not all premarital agreements are enforceable. The Connecticut Premarital Agreement Act, passed in 1995, lists a variety of factors that could potentially make the premarital agreement unenforceable in a divorce.

Are Trusts Subject To Property Division?

On behalf of Parrino|Shattuck, PC on Friday, October 19, 2018.

Trusts are complex fiduciary mechanisms designed to protect and preserve assets. Some people believe that assets held in a trust are protected in a divorce. However, depending on a variety of factors, those assets may still be subject to property division.

Is There An Alimony Formula?

On behalf of Parrino|Shattuck, PC on Tuesday, October 2, 2018.

People going through a divorce often want to know whether the court will award alimony and, if so, the amount and duration of the alimony award. Judges are not limited to a strict formula, which makes it challenging to predict the exact amount of an alimony award. Instead, judges are guided by numerous statutory factors.