Connecticut has created a special divorce court, which hears lengthy, contested cases involving children. The court is the Regional Family Trial Docket (RFTD) and is located in Middletown.
The RFTD is designed to decide cases efficiently since one judge presides over all aspects of the case.
Once trial begins, the case usually proceeds with few interruptions and often on consecutive days until finished. The idea is to resolve issues pertaining to children as soon as possible – children don’t deserve delay.
Divorce cases can be referred from any Judicial District if certain requirements are met:
1. It must be a fully contested divorce – issues concering children are disputed. A case will not qualify if the litigation is purely financial.
2. Family Relations must have completed a Study within the last nine months.
3. The child(ren) must have been appointed an attorney or a guardian ad litem.
The parents and lawyers must all participate in a daylong conference in an effort to settle the case short of trial. If no agreement is reached, clear your calendar. Expect trial to start soon thereafter.