I have seen a dramatic increase in clients inquiring about custody of their pet(s). Under Connecticut law, pets are considered property – like a house, car or other asset. Therefore, the term “pet custody” is somewhat misleading. Unlike issues concering children, the judge is not required to take into account the “best interest” of…
There are many issues to sort out in a divorce. When spouses disagree it is usually over children, support and money. In the process, spouses may overlook the importance of addressing common tax issues. The tax dependency exemption for qualified children is worthy of a separate blog. Here are the other top four: 1. Filing…
A recent wrongful death lawsuit filed in Bridgeport Superior Court alleges that the founder of Stew Leonard’s grocery caused the death of a man when he operated his powerboat recklessly. According to news reports, the man was thrown around the boat and suffered both head injuries and spinal cord injuries before falling overboard. His wife…
Florida is the latest state to consider alimony reform. The reform would limit the ability of judges to order lifetime alimony and adjust the way alimony is calculated. Connecticut lawmakers are drafting an alimony reform bill. Other states including Arkansas, North and South Carolina, Oregon and West Virginia have set up “Alimony Reform” groups to…
In many divorce cases, the most valuable asset is the house. Therefore, it is no surprise that how to handle the house is also one the most important decisions a divorcing couple faces. There are many possibilities when it comes to property division. But whatever the decision is, this is an area of the Separation…
A 9-year old boy who took a gun to school and accidentally shot a female classmate is likely to receive probation and mental health treatment. The girl remains in critical condition in a Seattle hospital.The Prosecutor’s decision is undoubtedly a challenging one. The goal of the juvenile justice system in Connecticut (as it should be…
A group called Action on Smoking and Health apparently performed a survey on the relationship between custody issues and smoking. The group claims that the issue of smoking is an effective threat for a nonsmoking parent to use in court to gain an advantage in a custody or visitation battle. That’s extreme – but consider…
Back in September I blogged about how lifetime alimony awards in Connecticut were substantially decreasing. Lifetime alimony in Connecticut – is it over? – Bridgeport, CT Metro/Family and Personal Injury Law Blog | Brian D. Kaschel La Now comes word that legislation will introduced in Connecticut to eliminate lifetime alimony. If passed, the new law…
Connecticut Divorce Arbitration is an example of Alternative Dispute Resolution in that the contested issues are resolved outside of court. However, it differs from mediation. I think it is easiest to think of mediation as a facilitated settlement process and arbitration as a quicker and potentially less expensive quasi-trial. Mediation is a process where the…
Here’s a list I wish I could give clients before they consult me: 1. Do gather financial records. Important financial records such as tax returns, pay stubs, statements from all bank accounts (including credit cards) and retirement accounts such as 401k’s and pensions should be gathered and made available to the attorney early in the…