DCF Releases are always part of any Investigation. In fact, when Connecticut DCF comes calling, they always have plenty of Releases of Information and other Authorizations handy. As part of most DCF Investigations, they are looking for records from the pediatrician, the school(s) and any service providers like a therapists or counselors. They usually want…
Under Connecticut law, either spouse can petition the court for a modification of alimony unless the divorce decree precludes modification. In other words, some Separation Agreements prohibit modification altogether – others limit modification to amount or the duration of support. If a Motion to Modify Alimony is filed, a former spouse can request an…
DCF Investigations are usually triggered by a call to the DCF Hotline. Often a mandated reporter, like a counselor or school social worker, makes the call. During the call, a “Hotline Worker” will gather information to determine whether the case is serious enough to warrant opening a case. If a case is opened, it will…
DCF Service Agreements (also known as Safety Plans) are part of many Investigations. They are usually discussed during DCF’s initial home visit. The form itself is a one-page document that identifies a Safety Factor(s) and what the parent and the social worker will do to address that concern(s). Simply put, it is a written agreement…
DCF Specific Steps are initially submitted to a Connecticut Juvenile Court when files Neglect Petitions or Orders for Temporary Custody. If the child has been removed from a parent’s custody, the Steps set forth what is expected of the parents to regain custody. When I first started practicing, the Steps were actually called “Expectations.” That…
When a child is arrested for allegedly committing a crime in Connecticut, they are usually summoned to Juvenile Court. At the initial plea hearing (arraignment), the judge will read an advisement of rights. Here are the rights of child who has been accused of juvenile delinquency: 1. The right to remain silent. The child…
What are the rights of parents in Connecticut Juvenile Court when DCF files an Order of Temporary Custody or Neglect Petition in Connecticut? At the preliminary hearing date, the judge will determine whether the necessary parties are present and that they have properly served with the documents DCF filed. In addition, the judge will usually…
Connecticut divorces often involve prenuptial agreements and the questions that go with it. Can I get the prenuptial agreement thrown out? Is the prenup valid? Will it be upheld? How can I get out of it? These questions are often asked after a divorce has been filed when one spouse realizes that if a prenup…
Out with the old and in with the new. Effective January 1, 2014, the Family Courts in Connecticut will be using new versions of Financial Affidavits. One version, the short form, is for those whose income and assets are less than $75,000. The other version, the long form, is for those whose income or assets…
Sometimes after a divorce, a parent feels that the custody order is not working for their child. When this happens, a Motion for Modification of Custody may be filed. For a Motion for Modification of custody to be granted, the judge must make two findings: 1. A modification involves an initial determination as to whether…