Meet Judith Goldberg

Alimony is continuing support from one spouse to another for a specified period of time.  When alimony is awarded in a divorce it is viewed as being based on a continuing duty of one spouse to the other.   Either spouse may be awarded alimony from the other, but there is no absolute right to alimony.  There is no specific formula to determine the calculation, unlike determining a child support order where there are specific State guidelines.  In fashioning an Order of spousal support (“alimony”), a Court will consider, after a hearing of evidence, many factors and measure a spouse’s duty of support against the reasonable limits of the other party’s ability to pay.

A qualified Family Law Attorney should be consulted to identify and define your support needs and to analyze and review your options with you.  It is not uncommon for the parties, by agreement, to fashion a support order without having to go to the Judge to make that determination.  Your divorce attorney will guide you to reach a resolution that is appropriate for your particular situation, need and financial circumstances.

As your divorce Mediator my role is that of a neutral, impartial, third party, who has no stake in the outcome of the dispute, to help a couple settle and resolve all disputed issues that are present in a divorce.

I encourage dialogue and open communication between a couple, in an environment where each spouse is able to express their opinions and voice their concerns.  As a divorce Mediator, I work to help a couple resolve conflicts in their dispute which may involve parental issues such as custody and time-sharing, child support, alimony, and finances including the division of assets and debts.

My role is to facilitate communication by identifying issues, brainstorming available options, and allowing the parties to reach a voluntary agreement.

As your divorce Mediator, I will prepare a written Separation Agreement or Divorce Agreement that reflects the agreement reached in mediation, as well as prepare all the documents that are required to be filed in the Court for the parties to move forward to an Uncontested Divorce, and obtain a final Judgment of dissolution of marriage.

Many couples contemplating marriage and their respective financial circumstances, desire to have a formal written agreement (before getting married) predetermining what would happen with their estates if they should divorce or upon the death of either party.

Connecticut prenuptial agreements are usually entered into to anticipate future issues and provide for their resolution to the extent reasonably possible based upon foreseeable future circumstances. An agreement can help avoid future litigation which can reduce costs in the event of separation, divorce or death. Without agreement, litigation often occurs in the event of future disagreement and it can take months for important issues to be resolved.

A prenuptial agreement should be a negotiated settlement that is fair and equitable for both parties under the circumstances. The process of entering into such an agreement may also spur communication between the parties about important premarital issues. Additionally the time required to resolve issues by agreement is typically far less than that involved in future litigation.

Connecticut has adopted the Connecticut Premarital Agreement Act which sets forth the law and procedure for entering into prenuptial agreements. It commonly includes provisions for property division and spousal support. A prenuptial agreement is only valid if entered into prior to marriage. Prenuptial agreements are recognized in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The agreements however cannot address issues pertaining to children as these issues must be decided in the best interests of the children.