Irretrievable Breakdown: All Things Divorce

What is a deposition in a Connecticut divorce or family law case? In this episode of Irretrievable Breakdown: All Things Divorce, Matt Dolan and Nicole Bikakis of Dolan Divorce Lawyers, PLLC explain how depositions work, why attorneys use them, and what parties should understand before testifying under oath. Matt and Nicole discuss how depositions are used to gather information, clarify financial...

Can you ask the court to make your spouse move out of the house while a Connecticut divorce is pending? In this episode of Irretrievable Breakdown: All Things Divorce, Matt Dolan and Nicole Bikakis of Dolan Divorce Lawyers, PLLC explain motions for exclusive use or exclusive possession of the marital home during divorce. Matt and Nicole discuss what exclusive use means, how it differs from a restr...

Can alimony be changed after a divorce is finalized? In this episode of Irretrievable Breakdown: All Things Divorce, Matt Dolan and Nicole Bikakis of Dolan Divorce Lawyers, PLLC explain when alimony may be modified in Connecticut and what courts may consider after judgment. Matt and Nicole discuss how alimony works, including weekly payments, percentage-based orders, safe harbor provisions, cohabi...

What happens when a parent files an emergency ex parte custody application in Connecticut Family Court? Matt Dolan and Nicole Bikakis of Dolan Divorce Lawyers, PLLC explain when these emergency custody requests may apply, what the court looks for, and how parents can prepare whether they are filing the application or responding to one. This episode covers the legal standard for emergency ex parte...

Thinking about divorce but not sure where to start? In this episode of Irretrievable Breakdown: All Things Divorce , Matt Dolan and Nicole Bikakis of Dolan Divorce Lawyers, PLLC answer common questions people have before filing for divorce in Connecticut. Matt and Nicole discuss whether you need a reason to get divorced, whether your spouse has to agree, whether it matters who files first, and whe...

How do restraining orders work in Connecticut Family Court? Matt Dolan and Nicole Bikakis of Dolan Divorce Lawyers, PLLC explain when a restraining order may apply, who can file, what forms are involved, and what happens after the application is submitted. This episode covers Connecticut restraining orders, domestic violence, coercive control, family or household member requirements, ex parte orde...

What does Family Relations do in Connecticut Family Court? Matt Dolan and Nicole Bikakis of Dolan Divorce Lawyers, PLLC explain the role of the Family Services Office, commonly known as Family Relations, in divorce, custody, parenting, and restraining order cases. This episode covers how Family Relations may become involved early in a Connecticut divorce or custody case, including at the resolutio...

How much does a divorce actually cost in Connecticut? Matt Dolan and Nicole Bikakis of Dolan Divorce Lawyers, PLLC explain why divorce costs can vary depending on the complexity of the case, the level of conflict, attorney’s fees, custody disputes, discovery, expert witnesses, mediation, and whether the case settles or goes to trial. This episode discusses common divorce expenses, including attorn...

What does the divorce process actually look like in Connecticut? Matt Dolan and Nicole Bikakis of Dolan Divorce Lawyers, PLLC provide an overview of the major steps involved in a Connecticut divorce, from the initial decision to file through reaching a settlement or going to trial. This episode covers preparing before filing, gathering financial information, consulting with an attorney, serving di...

Financial decisions during divorce can have long-term consequences. In this episode of Irretrievable Breakdown: All Things Divorce, Matt Dolan and Nicole Bikakis of Dolan Divorce Lawyers, PLLC discuss common financial mistakes people make during the divorce process in Connecticut. Matt and Nicole explain why divorce assets are not always divided 50/50, how keeping the marital home can create finan...

In this episode of Irretrievable Breakdown, Connecticut divorce attorneys Matt Dolan and Nicole Bikakis explain the role of a guardian ad litem in Connecticut family court custody cases. They discuss when a GAL may be appointed, how the selection process works, who pays GAL fees, and what a guardian ad litem actually does during a custody evaluation. You’ll also learn how GAL recommendations can i...

Can a parent move with their child after divorce or during a custody case in Connecticut? Matt Dolan and Nicole Bikakis of Dolan Divorce Lawyers, PLLC explain how Connecticut courts handle custody relocation, parenting plans, and requests to move with a child. This episode covers the difference between post-judgment relocation and relocation before final custody orders are entered. Matt and Nicole...

In this episode of Irretrievable Breakdown: All Things Divorce , Matt Dolan and Nicole Bikakis of Dolan Divorce Lawyers, PLLC explain what should be included in a parenting plan during a Connecticut divorce or custody case. A parenting plan sets expectations for how parents will share responsibilities after separation, including legal custody, physical custody, parenting time, holidays, vacations,...

In this episode of Irretrievable Breakdown: All Things Divorce , Matt Dolan and Nicole Bikakis of Dolan Divorce Lawyers, PLLC explain discovery in Connecticut Family Court and why exchanging financial information is such an important part of the divorce process. Discovery is the process where spouses exchange documents and information needed to understand the full financial picture before negotiat...

In this episode of Irretrievable Breakdown: All Things Divorce, Matt Dolan and Nicole Bikakis of Dolan Divorce Lawyers, PLLC discuss how Connecticut courts handle college expenses after divorce, including educational support orders in divorce, custody, and child support cases. Many parents assume that college contribution only comes up in divorce cases, but Connecticut courts may also address post...

In this episode of Irretrievable Breakdown: All Things Divorce , Matt Dolan and Nicole Bikakis of Dolan Divorce Lawyers, PLLC explain what “best interest of the child” means in a Connecticut divorce or custody case. When Connecticut judges decide legal custody, physical custody, parenting time, or custody modifications , they use the best interest of the child standard . Matt and Nicole discuss ho...

In this episode of Irretrievable Breakdown: All Things Divorce , Matt Dolan and Nicole Bikakis of Dolan Divorce Lawyers, PLLC discuss one of the most common questions people face during a Connecticut divorce: Should you stay in the house or move out while your divorce is pending? Moving out during divorce can feel like the easiest way to reduce stress, avoid conflict, or create space. But before l...

In this episode of Irretrievable Breakdown: All Things Divorce , Matt Dolan and Nicole Bikakis of Dolan Divorce Lawyers, PLLC discuss one of the hardest parts of the divorce process: how to tell your spouse you want a divorce and how to share the news with your children. For anyone considering divorce in Connecticut , this episode explains why the way you start the conversation can affect the tone...

In this episode of Irretrievable Breakdown: All Things Divorce , Matt Dolan and Nicole Bikakis of Dolan Divorce Lawyers, PLLC discuss the myth of no-fault divorce in Connecticut and explain why “no fault” does not always mean fault is irrelevant. Many people assume that because Connecticut is a no-fault divorce state , judges cannot consider why the marriage ended. Matt and Nicole break down what...

In this episode of Irretrievable Breakdown: All Things Divorce , Matt Dolan and Nicole Bikakis of Dolan Divorce Lawyers, PLLC discuss prenuptial agreements in Connecticut and what couples should know before signing a prenup . A Connecticut prenuptial agreement can play an important role in divorce and family law planning. Matt and Nicole explain what a prenup can cover, including property division...