What if my spouse won’t agree to a divorce?

Shari-Lynn Cuomo Shore, a family lawyer in Hamden, answers:

In Connecticut, it is not required that both parties cooperate with divorce proceedings. Once one spouse decides that he or she wants to pursue a divorce, that person may file a dissolution action and have the other spouse served. This will commence the divorce proceedings. If the opposing party does not file an appearance, the plaintiff may seek to have that person defaulted and a divorce may enter. Alternatively, if the defendant tries to actively delay the divorce, he or she may file a motion or request for conciliation. This allows the court to delay the dissolution proceedings for six (6) months which extends the “cooling off” period prior to the case management date. This would also require the parties to go to two (2) counseling sessions. However, once the six (6) month timeframe expires, the divorce can still proceed forward and be finalized with only one party’s consent.

Shari-Lynn Cuomo Shore, Esq. is a partner in the law firm of Wolf & Shore, LLC. Wolf & Shore, LLC is a general practice, full-service law firm of attorneys located in Hamden, CT. Their New Haven County based office practices throughout Connecticut.