This a pretty common question. Truth is a minor child (under age 18) in Connecticut does not decide when or if they want to visit with a parent. Same is true for which parent they want to live with. A judge always decides. Even when parents agree to a particular Parenting Plan, it is always…
When someone passes away in Connecticut, the local Probate Court oversees the estate. In short, the Probate Court makes sure debts are paid and property is distributed to beneficiaries (if there is a will) or to heirs (if there is no will). Sounds easy enough and for many estates it is relatively straightforward….
Divorce and prenuptial agreements seem like dirty words. That’s one reason why an engaged couple does not consider, let alone sign, a prenup. Another reason is that most people think that prenuptial agreements are just for the wealthy. Sure, people with large incomes and sizeable assets clearly benefit from a prenup. But prenups offer advantages…
There are really three divorce options in Connecticut: 1. Mediation is a process in which a divorcing couple attempts to resolve their disputes with the assistance of a neutral third party. A mediator is usually an attorney with significant family law experience who has training in dispute resolution. Many spouses retain separate attorneys to review…
Review counsel in a Connecticut divorce has become more prevalent as a growing number of divorcing couples are opting for divorce mediation as a way of resolving their disputes. Mediation is often much less adversarial and therefore usually more cost effective. However, the mediation process does not necessarily eliminate the need for the parties to…
This article sets forth the most common reasons why spouses struggle with the decision on whether or not to divorce: To be sure, the decision to end a marriage is certainly not to be taken lightly. The decision in many instances will shape lives forever. Therefore, a divorce should only be filed when alternatives…
Unfortunately, this is all too common. A parent shows up late to pick up the child for visitation or drops the child off late from visitation. Sometimes a parent does not show up at all. It’s much more than being discourteous. Both scenarios are harmful and disruptive to the child. Of course, there may be…
The Case Management Date in a Connecticut divorce is the way the court tracks a case. There is a 90-day waiting period to obtain a divorce in Connecticut. The Case Management Date will be right after that period expires. Theoretically, this is the earliest possible date you can dissolve your marriage. However, in most courts,…
The policy of Connecticut DCF is to protect the health and welfare of children. We must all agree that a child’s safety is paramount. To this end, there is a Hotline, which receives reports of suspected neglect and abuse. Anyone who makes a report in good faith and has reasonable grounds for making the report…
Probate Courts in Connecticut have exclusive jurisdiction to handle stepparent adoptions. 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” or “dad.”…