Here are the biggest issues with taxes and divorce in Connecticut. 1. Filing status. If you are still married on December 31, you can file joint returns. When a divorce settlement is reached in November or December lawyers often ask the judge to approve the agreement in January for this reason. 2. Dependents. If the…
The Darien Probate Court serves the towns of Darien and New Canaan Connecticut and hears these types of cases: 1. Cases involving Estates. When someone passes away, the local Probate Court oversees the administration of the estate. The Court will appoint an executor. Beneficiaries will be identified so that property may be distributed pursuant to the…
Parental alienation in Connecticut courts is an increasingly familiar term, especially in contentious child custody disputes. Its effects can be very damaging to children, families and targeted parents. In an extreme cases, it can be grounds to award the non-offending parent custody. Dr. Richard Gardner first identified parental alienation in the 1980’s. According to him,…
Connecticut DCF Physical Neglect Investigations are the most common of all DCF cases. By DCF standards, this coours when a child is being denied proper care and attention. Physical Neglect is also permitting a child to live under conditions or circumstances that are injurious to his or her well-being. Here are some examples: Abandonment Failure…
A Modification of Custody in Connecticut is one of the most common motions filed in Bridgeport and Stamford Courts. So just because your child custody arrangement or parenting plan in Connecticut was labeled “final” or “permanent” does not mean that it cannot be changed. Here is a overview of a Modification of Custody in…
There are eight grounds to terminate parental rights in Connecticut Probate Court. In my experience, the most common is abandonment. By definition, abandonment occurs when a parent has failed to maintain a reasonable degree of interest, concern or responsibility as to the welfare of their child. They key word is “maintain” since the parent must…
Appealing Connecticut DCF Central Registry is critical if you plan on working in any capacity with children. This include obvious occupations like teachers, pediatricians, school counselors but also employment as a school bus driver or even a coach. At the conclusion of the Investigation, DCF will “snail mail” the “Notice of Investigation Results.” Therefore, an accused…
DCF cases in Bridgeport Juvenile Court may be limited to the filing of a Neglect Petition. But when there are immediate safety concerns DCF will also apply for an Order of Temporary Custody. Orders of Temporary Custody A Juvenile Court judge will issue an Order of Temporary Custody (OTC) when a child needs immediate protection….
Connecticut DCF Investigations of Neglect can be unsettling. Usually an Investigation starts when mandated reporters such as teachers, guidance counselors, school social workers and therapists call the DCF Hotline. All they need is “reasonable suspicion” to contact DCF. There are five categories of Neglect: 1. Physical Neglect – is the failure to provide and…
If you are reading this, you probably were involved in a Fairfield, CT car accident. There are a lot of blogs about what to do at the scene. This post is about what to do once you are safe at home. 1. Call your insurance company. In fact, you are obligated to do so. Give…