School is out but grades are in for DCF in Connecticut. The bad: 1. The rate of timely adoptions is at its lowest since 2004. 2. The rate of eligible children being reunified with thier parents dropped to its lowest rate since 2009. The good: 1. More “at risk” children are being placed with relatives….
In most cases in Juvenile Court, DCF alleges that the child has been neglected or abused. That is the neglect or abuse has already occurred. But, there are occasions where DCF seeks a finding of neglect not based on what has already happened but based on what may happen in the future. This called is…
Poor driving habits endanger the lives of everyone else sharing the road. When individuals engage in risky behavior on the road, such as racing other vehicles, it is not surprising that serious traffic accidents causing injuries and even deaths can occur. In June of 2011, one such car accident in Bridgeport resulted in the…
Retaining an attorney can be expensive. But not retaining an attorney can be costly. Let it go. The biggest factor in reducing legal fees is failing to “let it go.” This clearly does not mean that you should be a push over or that you should not do battle when appropriate. It means…
There are hundreds (maybe thousands) of lawyers who practice divorce and family law in Connecticut. With so many choices, it is important to find the lawyer best suited for your particular case. There are four primary areas to consider: 1. Credentials. Is the attorney an active member of the family law sections through bar associations?…
Many people think of beer and fishing as two things that go hand-in-hand. In reality though, drunk boating is just as dangerous – and just as illegal – as drunk driving. Earlier this month, a Connecticut man was sentenced to more than three years in jail after a boating accident that claimed the life of…
How is marital property divided in a Connecticut divorce? Connecticut courts follow an equitable distribution approach. To be more specific, Connecticut follows “an all property equitable distribution scheme.” This means that at the time of the divorce or legal separation, the court can assign either spouse any or all of the property of the other…
I recently did a blog on how to co-parent with a jerk. Here it is: Tips for co-parenting with a jerk But these tips do not always work. Another option is to scrap the concept of co-parenting altogether and try parallel parenting. What is parallel parenting? I must admit I had not heard of it…
Here are few tips on how to avoid being the victim of road rage: 1. Always be polite and courteous. I know it is not easy. But if you follow this one tip you will significantly decrease the chance that you will be involved in a road rage accident. 2. Do not retaliate. Again –…
Three courts decide matters of temporary custody in Connecticut: 1. Juvenile Court. The Department of Children and Families (DCF) file Orders of Temporary Custody (OTC) in Juvenile Court. When DCF files an OTC, they request temporary custody of child and then place the child in foster care or with a relative. For DCF to assume…