Brian D. Kaschel - Brian's Blog

20 10 '24

Standing Orders Connecticut Family Court

There are Standing Orders in Connecticut Family Court. The specific Orders depend on the type of case and must be followed unless the requirements are waived or modified by a judge in that case or the matter involves a Restraining Order. Standing Orders – Trials or Hearings The following documents must be exchanged between the…

10 04 '24

How to Reopen a Divorce or Family Judgment in Connecticut – Fraud

Can you reopen divorce proceedings in Connecticut? It is not easy but in certain situations, it is possible. A non-appearing party may file a motion to reopen a divorce or family judgment within four (4) months. The court will listen to the reason the party did not appear in court when judgment was rendered. Usually,…

19 08 '23

Motion for Continuance

A Motion for Continuance is a request to reschedule a court date. In a Connecticut divorce case, a Continuance filing is fairly common. Some judges grant these motions routinely. Other judges, tend to scrutinize the reasons behind the Continuance – especially if the opposing party does not consent. Judges have a lot of discretion in…

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 of the process. A deposition is question and answer session between a lawyer and a witness (deponent). The opposing lawyer asks questions. The witness answers under oath. Your attorney is present…

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…