Big increase in divorce cases where there is a dispute over pet custody. But using the word “custody” is a mischaracterization. While you might think of your pet as a member of the family courts do not. Pets are considered property. Therefore, Connecticut courts do not apply the “best interest” standard when deciding who gets…
Have you denied teacher certification or has your educator’s license been put on hold because of DCF? Effective July 1, 2011, the Connecticut Board of Education requires each applicant for initial issuance or renewal of a professional certificate to sign an Authorization so that the licensing agency can determine whether the individual is on the…
How does adultery in a Connecticut divorce effect the outcome? Here are a few instances: 1. Distribution of assets/property. The court is required to consider “the causes for the annulment, dissolution of marriage or legal separation” when dividing property. So, for example, if a spouse has used marital assets to support an affair, that fact…
You have been injured in a car accident and you are probably wondering: Is it worth it to bring a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver? What kind of compensation will you receive for your injuries? Even if the driver faces a criminal lawsuit for drunk driving or reckless driving, the only way for…
This is a case-by-case decision. It is certainly an issue to consider if you are contemplating divorce or already in the midst of a divorce. It is true that a joint return will usually produce a lower tax than if the two spouses filed separately. However, there is a downside to filing a joint return…
Many people in Connecticut use the terms Protective Orders and Restraining Orders interchangeably. That’s understandable since the primary purpose of both is the same – protection. But there are several key differences: Court – Protective Orders are only issued in criminal court after someone has been arrested. Restraining Orders are issued in Family Court. Duration…
What is the difference between the two? Litigation is rights based. What am I entitled to? In litigation, you must factor in how much it would cost to get what you believe you are entitled to. This not only includes the financial costs of litigation (i.e. attorney fees, expert witnesses etc) but also the emotional…
A few Public Acts of interest in the DCF arena: HB-5217. Currently all adoptions must be heard in the Probate Court. This Act would allow DCF to file adoption petitions in the Juvenile Court if that was the court, which terminated parental rights. This Act is a long time coming and should make…
A few Public Acts of interest in the DCF arena: HB-5217. Currently all adoptions must be heard in the Probate Court. This Act would allow DCF to file adoption petitions in the Juvenile Court if that was the court, which terminated parental rights. This Act is a long time coming and should make…
Last weekend, a 16-year-old hit and killed a runner while she was using her cellphone while driving. She has now been charged with using a handheld phone while driving under age 18 and homicide with a motor vehicle, as well as driving outside of the proper lane of traffic. This incident is one of…