Family Courts and Juvenile Courts in Connecticut have the authority to order hair follicle testing to determine whether there is a pattern of drug use. I have seen these tests ordered with increasing frequency as the reliability of these tests are now widely accepted. The standard hair follicle test goes back about 90 days and…
Grandparents in Connecticut may apply to the Family Court to obtain visitation with their grandchild. For a judge to grant grandparent visitation over a parent’s objection there must be two separate findings: 1. The grandparent must have a relationship with the child that is parent-like; and 2. Denial of the visitation will cause real…
Yes – restraining orders in Connecticut can be extended. In order to do so, the Applicant (the person in need of protection) must file a Motion to Extend before the restraining order expires. But once it lapses, you have to start from scratch and there’s no protection in the interim. So – do not wait…
I have heard some people use the terms “shared custody” and “split custody” interchangeably. However, they are very different custodial arrangements. Shared custody refers to a parenting plan where both parents have equal or at least substantial parenting time with the child(ren). The child(ren) essentially has two homes and spend significant periods at both homes….
Working from home meant we could vary snack and coffee breaks, change our desks or view, goof off, drink on the job, even spend the day in pajamas, and often meet to gossip or share ideas. On the other hand, we bossed ourselves around, set impossible goals, and demanded longer hours than office jobs usually…
I really should say the father was awarded sole custody. Winning is for games. Child custody cases shouldn’t be games. Anyway… A recent Connecticut divorce case highlights the trend that an increasing number of father’s are being awarded sole or, as some say, full custody of their children. In this case, the judge found that…
Motions for Modification and Motions for Contempt are the two most common post-judgment divorce motions in Connecticut. Motions for Contempt are typically filed to enforce an existing court order. For example, where a parent owes child support or wrongfully withheld visitation. In Connecticut, noncompliance of a valid court order is not enough to have…
Filing Termination of Parental Rights in Connecticut? There must be legally sufficient grounds for a judge to terminate parental rights in Connecticut. In my opinion, here are the strongest: 1. Abandonment. This occurs when a parent has failed to maintain a reasonable degree of interest, concern or responsibility as to the welfare of their child….
When DCF Substantiates Abuse or Neglect or recommends placement on the Central Registry the alleged perpetrator has the right to appeal the findings at an Administrative Hearing. This is always – always – the best chance for a reversal. If a parent is unsuccessful, then the the next step is to appeal the Central Registry…
A Bill has been raised to establish a presumption of joint or shared custody of minor children and allow a judge to impose sanctions against a parent who knowingly makes a false statement to the court in a custody or visitation proceeding (aka parenting plan). Here it is: http://www.cga.ct.gov/2013/TOB/h/pdf/2013HB-06685-R00-HB.pdf As with most proposed Bills, there…