Bates & Roper PC Frequently Asked Questions

We understand that finding the right attorney can be a big decision. That’s why Attorney Roper offers a free initial consultation to discuss your needs and how we can help you. These consultations usually last between 30 and 60 minutes and can take place in our friendly office on Main St. If you're unable to visit us in person, don't worry!

During your consultation, we’ll take the time to get to know the specifics of your case. We’ll dive into the underlying facts and consider your financial and family circumstances to tailor our approach to your unique situation. Once we have a clear understanding of your case, we’ll provide you with an overview of the court process.

We’re proud to serve the communities of Windham, Tolland, New London, and Hartford Counties.

The timeline for a divorce can vary widely, often depending on several factors. These can include the complexity of your case, whether you have children, and how well you and your spouse can agree on key terms.

In some instances, a divorce can be finalized in just a few weeks, especially if it’s straightforward and both parties are in agreement. However, more complicated cases may take much longer—sometimes even years. On average, you might expect a typical divorce to take between 3 to 6 months from start to finish.

When it comes to dividing assets and debts during a divorce, several factors come into play. For instance, the length of the marriage can significantly influence how things are split. If one spouse has contributed more—either financially or through other means—that can also affect the division. And let’s not forget about any premarital agreements you might have in place; those can shape the outcome as well.

Going through a divorce can be tough, not just emotionally but financially as well. That’s where alimony comes into play. Alimony is a type of financial support that one spouse may pay to the other after they part ways. Its main goal? To ensure that neither spouse feels trapped in a marriage purely because of money.

We understand that alimony in Connecticut can be a complex issue. It’s not as straightforward as applying a fixed formula; rather, it involves a careful consideration of various factors. Whether or not you qualify for alimony will depend on elements like the earnings of both spouses and how long the marriage lasted.

When it comes to child custody decisions, the primary focus is always on what’s best for the child. At Bates & Roper PC, we understand that navigating these emotionally charged situations can be challenging. Here are some key factors that are typically considered:

• Relationship with Each Parent: The connection that the child has with both parents is crucial. Courts often look at how each parent interacts with the child and the emotional bonds that have been established.
• Stability of Each Parent’s Home: A stable and supportive home environment is essential for a child’s well-being. This includes factors like the safety of the home, financial stability, and the overall atmosphere.
• Child’s Needs: Every child is unique, and their individual needs—whether emotional, educational, or physical—play a significant role in custody decisions.
• Wishes of the Child: As children grow older, their opinions become increasingly important. Courts take into account the child’s wishes, depending on their age and maturity level.

When it comes to child support in Connecticut, the primary residential parent is entitled to receive financial assistance that helps meet the needs of the children. Several factors come into play when determining the amount of child support. These include:

• Income of Both Parents: The court takes a close look at what both parents earn to ensure a fair calculation based on their financial capabilities.
• Number of Children: The more children involved, the more factors will be considered in the support calculation. Each child’s needs can vary, which will influence the final amount.
• Ages of Children: Different age groups may have varying financial requirements, from basic needs to potential educational expenses.
• Needs of the Children: Beyond basic necessities, any special needs or additional costs the children may incur are taken into consideration.
• Custody Arrangements: The type of custody agreement in place can also significantly impact the support calculations, as it affects the living arrangements and financial responsibilities of each parent.

Yes, we offer divorce mediation services.

Divorce mediation is an alternative to litigation where the divorcing couple meets with Attorney Roper to help reach agreements on various aspects of their separation. This can include:

• Child Custody and Visitation: Determining who will have primary custody and how visitation will be scheduled.
• Child Support: Establishing the amount of financial support to be paid for the children.
• Property Division: Dividing assets and debts fairly between the spouses.
• Alimony: Determining if and how much spousal support will be paid.

Yes, once the mediation agreement is finalized Attorney Roper will submit all the necessary paperwork.