Divorce is a stressful process for the adults. Imagine how your children feel? So, regardless of how uncomfortable it may be, parents must speak to their children about a divorce. Here are a few suggestions: Make sure the decision is final. It’s unfair and too upsetting to children to tell them that you are thinking…
Permanent guardianship is one of several dispositions available when a judge in Connecticut Court finds that a child has been abused or neglected. One of these is to transfer guardianship of the child to a suitable and worthy caretaker. The proposed guardian is usually a relative or an individual who has a significant relationship with…
Temporary alimony, also called pendente lite alimony, is available in Connecticut. We know that sometimes a spouse is unable to wait for the final divorce to receive alimony. Therefore, Connecticut judges have the authority to enter temporary alimony orders so that a dependent spouse has a means of support while the case is pending. Many…
A DCF Parent’s Right to Know Brochure? A brochure is an advertising piece. When I think of a brochure, I think of buying a car or planning a vacation to a warm, sunny place. How about calling it an Information Sheet? A DCF Information Sheet. Better. A few other suggestions: The parent’s rights are outlined…
Many people can represent themselves in Probate Court. After all, the surroundings of a Probate Court in Connecticut are more comfortable and relaxed than other Connecticut courts. Probate hearings are usually held in conference rooms at the local Town Hall. There is no audience, no jury, the judge does not wear a black…
Guardianship of children includes the authority to make major decisions affecting the child’s education, welfare and medical treatment. In Connecticut, birth parents (whether or not married) are automatically the joint guardians of the child. Therefore, both parents have equal rights and responsibilities with respect to the child unless a court decides otherwise. The process…
In Connecticut, a judge in Family Court hears Restraining Orders. Restraining Orders should not be confused with Protective Orders which are issued by a Criminal Court to protect crime victims. Here is a summary of Restraining Orders in Connecticut: 1. People. You can only get a Restraining Order if you have a sufficiently close relationship…
Juvenile Detention is a secure facility where a child who is subject to a delinquency complaint is held. There are two Juvenile Detention Centers in Connecticut – one in Bridgeport and the other in Hartford. When a child is arrested, the police can place them in detention if they are charged with a serious juvenile…
A child 17 years old and under who is alleged to have committed a crime will be summoned to Connecticut Juvenile Court and charged as a delinquent. Delinquency proceedings have benefits over being charged as an adult such as confidentiality of the proceedings and the ability to have certain records erased. Plus, the overall philosophy…
Connecticut Juvenile Court and DCF can be intimidating and confusing. Plus, some DCF Investigations result in DCF filing Neglect Petitions in Connecticut Juvenile Court requiring the parents to appear before a judge and then other times DCF closes their case with no court involvement. In the most urgent of cases, DCF will request that the…