Brian D. Kaschel - Brian's Blog

24 12 '22

Free Initial Divorce Consultations in Connecticut Vary by Lawyer

An initial divorce consultation is a great opportunity to gather information and plan next steps. Some attorneys offer free consultations. But as the saying goes “you get what you pay for.” A paid consultation is almost always the best way to get lots of information and the best advice. Here is how to get the…

21 11 '22

Stepparent Adoption in Connecticut

Probate Courts and Juvenile Courts have jurisdiction to handle stepparent adoption in Connecticut. We know that many stepparents have a parent like relationship with their spouse’s child. They spend lots of time together and do all the things those parents and children enjoy. The child loves and trusts the stepparent and even calls them “mom”…

21 01 '21

Connecticut Divorce Depositions

Connecticut divorce depositions are essentially interviews. And just like other interviews you may be nervous. Reduce your anxiety. Read on. Here’s a quick summary on the process. A deposition is question and answer session between a lawyer and a witness (deponent). The lawyer asks – the witness answers under oath. Depositions usually take place at…

20 01 '21

Connecticut Resolution Plan Date

A Connecticut Resolution Plan Date in Family Court is a new process for custody, visitation, dissolution of marriage, and legal separation cases. The process is designed to encourage parties to resolve their cases by agreement, instead of engaging in lengthy (and expensive) litigation. Connecticut Resolution Plan Date On this date, you will learn how the…

14 01 '21

What is a Connecticut DCF Substantiation of Abuse or Neglect?

What is a DCF Substantiation? After Connecticut DCF completes an Investigation of abuse or neglect, they send a form letter to the alleged perpetrators. The letter will state whether the allegations are “unsubstantiated” or “substantiated.” The operational definition in the Policy Manual is that a DCF Substantiation results when: “DCF has concluded that there is”…

03 09 '20

Posttermination Visitation in Connecticut

Connecticut Juvenile Courts must now consider a parent’s request for posttermination visitation as part of Termination of Parental Rights case. This is a very important ruling relating to family integrity and the preservation of familial ties. In a unanimous decision, the Appellate Court determined that the trial judge, Carl Taylor, misconstrued the applicable statute and…

02 09 '20

Case Date in Connecticut Family Court

A Case Date in Connecticut Family Court replaces Short Calendar. Before the pandemic, attorneys and clients would gather en masse at the Courthouse to have motions heard. It was a largely inefficient process. There was more bullshitting with colleagues than anything else. Social Calendar was a more appropriate term. It was not uncommon to hang…

05 06 '20

Connecticut Divorce Without A Court Appearance

Connecticut Divorce without a Court appearance is here. COVID-19 forced the courts to change how they do business. Here in Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont issued an executive order allowing parties to proceed with uncontested divorces without going to court. Most family law attorneys support this new process. It could help spouses avoid difficult living arrangements. …

04 06 '20

Connecticut Application for Civil Protection Order

A Connecticut Application for Civil Protection Order is relatively new in Connecticut. It is designed to allow a violence victim to obtain a Restraining Order against someone who is not a family member. There are three types of Connecticut Restraining Orders: 1. Protective Order. This is an order of protection issued by a Criminal Court…

03 05 '20

Can a spouse be ordered to pay for legal fees in a Connecticut divorce?

Yes. The court has the authority to order either spouse to pay attorneys’ fees. Pendente Lite Legal Fees While the case is pending, the court may order one spouse to pay the reasonable legal fees of the other spouse. The payment of legal fees at this stage is called pendente lite legal fees. This typically…