Divorce & Family Law
Family Court can be an intimidating place. Where to go, what to say, and who can you trust might be at the forefront of your mind. When your children, family, and assets are at stake, you need a supportive attorney by your side to ensure you receive the proper advice and guidance to get you through what may be the most difficult time of your life.
Whether you are there regarding the custody of your children, financial obligations, a restraining order, or other reasons, feeling knowledgeable and secure could mean the difference between walking into a courtroom with confidence or with fear and insecurities. Let us help you get through this difficult time of your life.
Divorce (Dissolution of Marriage)
When two people get legally married, only a court can dissolve this marriage, even if you are separated for a long period of time. There are some potentially serious implications, both financial and familial in nature that should have you seriously consider going through this process with a fierce advocate for your rights. Sometimes, additional circumstances are important to your divorce case, such as: abuse of all kinds, immigration issues, and relocation. You need an attorney that can help you navigate these important issues as it relates to finalizing your divorce.
As part of the divorce process, you must make some difficult choices as it relates to child custody, visitation with your children, child support, alimony, division of assets including your home, retirement and investment accounts, and personal property.
We can help you make the right decisions for you and your family.
Custody Actions
If you share a child or children with someone but never married that individual, and want to establish some guidelines surrounding the custody, visitation, and child support for your children, you are facing a custody action in family court. Like a divorce, many important decisions need to be made concerning legal custody, visitation for your children with their parent, and financial obligations such as child support, payment of extracurricular activities, and future or current college expenses.
As part of this process, you want to be sure that you are getting what you are entitled to and no one is taking advantage of you. A knowledgeable and skilled attorney can help ensure your rights are protected.
Call our office to discuss how we can help you make this trying time more tolerable.
Paternity Tests
If you had a child with someone but you’re not sure that child is actually related by blood, you should consider filing for a paternity test in court. Paternity actions are difficult, and a lot of issues must be considered. There are rights and responsibilities associated with establishing paternity of a child and you may an attorney to help you through the process. Help your child to build a bond by starting with establishing a legal relationship.
Not sure where to begin? Call our office to speak with the attorney about going through the process with you.
Child Support
Financial obligations for your children are fundamental. Sometimes the process can be difficult to understand. Weekly financial support obligations are just one thing to be considered. Childcare, medical insurance, unreimbursed medical expenses are just a few important points the Court may decide. But perhaps you have more questions. What if you have more than one job? How much overtime can be considered? What if you’re unemployed? What about the financial condition of the other parent?
We can help you sort this out. Call our office to get a tailored plan of action for your case.
Modifying Previous Orders
(Motion for Modification)
If a Court entered orders on your divorce, custody, or child support case, you can ask the Court to change these orders if it would be in your child’s best interest. With time, circumstances change that may require different orders. While you and the other parent may agree without the Court’s intervention, absent a new Court order, you are at risk. Having final court orders that is best for your children can mean the difference between smooth sailing and a rocky road.
Connecticut law is specific about what criteria must be met before seeking the Court’s intervention. Call our office today to discuss your options.
Failure to Abide by Previous Orders
(Motion for Contempt)
When a Court enters orders in your case, you may find that the other party is not following those orders. Perhaps it is you that is accused of failing to comply. There may some serious implications in Motions for Contempt, including sanctions, fines, and jail time. You should know what your rights and obligations are.
Call our office to discuss your options.
Restraining Orders
Restraining Orders, like Criminal Protective Orders, protects victims of abuse. Be it threatening, stalking, emotional, physical, verbal, or financial abuse, you can seek the Court’s protections from those whom you share a familial relationship or a household with, without necessarily requiring an arrest first.
Ex Parte Orders of Protection means the protection is immediate. The same day you file, the Court enters orders to protect you should you meet the standard according to Connecticut law. Sometimes there isn’t enough to convince the Court with only the affidavit you provide. Whether granted or not, your Restraining Order will be assigned a hearing date within weeks providing the opportunity to defend your position.
Call our office now to learn more about your rights.