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I received a bill from the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation for $2,082.66 for an accident that occurred over three years ago, in which I hit a guard rail. I did not receive any prior communication about this bill. At the time of the accident, I filed a claim with my insurance for... View More 
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answered on May 15, 2025
First, review the bill carefully to ensure it is accurate. It’s unusual that you’re receiving this charge so long after the accident, especially if no previous communication was sent. The fact that you weren’t notified of the cost earlier could be a key point to address. Contact the State of... View More
My son was recently antagonized by another student and made concerning statements about his own safety. The school called mobile crisis. The principal wants to interview my son alone, but we, as parents, want to be present. We were refused attendance, and the superintendent supports this decision.... View More
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answered on May 15, 2025
It’s understandable that you want to be present during a meeting with your child, especially when it concerns his safety and well-being. In Connecticut, schools are generally required to involve parents in matters affecting their minor children, especially if there are safety concerns. However,... View More
I'm creating a Minecraft mod and understand the EULA states that mod creators can't sell their mods or make money from them. I plan to collect optional donations for my mod, which will be completely free, through Itch.io. These donations won't offer any products or services in... View More
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answered on May 15, 2025
According to Minecraft's End User License Agreement (EULA), mod creators are generally prohibited from selling their mods or directly profiting from them. However, optional donations for a free mod, especially if they are purely voluntary and don’t provide any direct rewards or advantages,... View More
I'm a resident of Connecticut, and my 15-year-old son attends a private school in New York State. He plans to take on a cleaning job at a school in New York during the summer. We have a Connecticut birth certificate, but we're unsure where to obtain the necessary working papers for him,... View More
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answered on May 15, 2025
You're doing the right thing by helping your son prepare responsibly for his first job. In New York, minors under the age of 18 are required to have working papers, also known as employment certificates, to be legally employed. Since your son is attending school in New York—even though you... View More
In a three-family rental property where everyone has access to the basement, the furnace was damaged. The landlord is blaming one tenant solely based on past experiences and not on actual evidence, and there has been communication from the landlord about this issue. There are agreements regarding... View More
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answered on May 14, 2025
You have every right to be concerned, especially when you’re being blamed for something without proof. A landlord cannot legally hold you responsible for damage to property—like a furnace—**unless they can show clear evidence** that you caused the damage. Just relying on past issues or... View More
I have had a permanent easement for my garage encroachment since 2001. I am considering installing fences to lock animals on my property, but the lot owner has expressed concerns about whether this is allowed and has asked me to review the situation with a surveyor. Could you advise on how the... View More
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answered on May 13, 2025
The adjoining landowner will probably claim fence is an unreasonable burden on the easement across his land, or an encroachment structure on his property. You do not own the property where the easement lies, just an interest in his property. Consult with a CT attorney about your express... View More
I'm on probation and recently got charged with criminal mischief in the second degree in Connecticut. How much time could I face for this, considering the circumstances?
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answered on May 15, 2025
I'm really sorry you're in this situation. Facing new charges while on probation can be overwhelming and may put your freedom at risk. It's good that you're asking these questions now, because understanding the possible consequences is an important step toward preparing... View More
I am 27, and my 14-year-old sibling is living with our mother, who has been reported as unfit due to a history of sexual abuse among siblings in the household that has recently come to light. There have been past DCF cases and reports from schools and other adults. My sibling's father is not... View More
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answered on May 15, 2025
I'm truly sorry to hear about the situation you're facing. Your concern for your sibling's well-being is commendable, and it's clear you're seeking the best path forward.
Receiving SNAP and state health insurance does not disqualify you from gaining custody of your... View More
I want to know if the Town Clerk in Washington, CT, whether elected or appointed, is required to reside within the town. I'm interested in the residency requirements for the position, regardless of how the Town Clerk is chosen.
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answered on May 15, 2025
In Washington, Connecticut, there is no legal requirement that the Town Clerk must reside within the town, whether the position is elected or appointed. The town's charter and ordinances do not specify a residency requirement for this position. This means that technically, the Town Clerk does... View More
I have been charged with assault in the third degree, but there is no victim to prove the act was committed. The only witness heard a verbal confrontation and called the police. There may be audio of the conversation, but no physical evidence or injury to a victim. The officers on the scene charged... View More
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answered on May 15, 2025
I'm really sorry you're dealing with this situation. Facing criminal charges when you believe there’s no real evidence or victim can feel deeply unfair and confusing. You're right to ask how the state can move forward with a case like this.
In Connecticut, assault in the... View More
I was arrested for domestic violence, which is my first-time offense, and I'm scheduled for a court hearing next Monday. I was released with a no-contact order, but I have a child. What can I expect moving forward?
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answered on May 15, 2025
You’re facing a lot right now, and it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed, especially with a child involved. Since this is your first domestic violence charge, the court will likely weigh that when considering outcomes, but they will still take the situation seriously. At your court hearing on... View More
I was terminated from my job on April 25, 2025, and my employer is withholding my 30 days of notice pay totaling $6,000, unless I sign a termination agreement. I hired a lawyer who sent a letter to my employer, stating it is unlawful to withhold this notice pay. He demanded a payout for my over 100... View More
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answered on May 15, 2025
It sounds like you're in a difficult position with your employer withholding your notice pay and PTO, and your lawyer is not being as responsive as you'd like. Given that your lawyer has already sent a letter demanding the payout, you may need to take more initiative to follow up. Since... View More
Under Connecticut's small group insurance laws with common ownership, we have four retail locations, each operating as separate LLCs with unique EINs. There are two common owners for all LLCs, each employing one full-time manager. All LLCs operate within the same industry, and we're... View More
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answered on May 14, 2025
In Connecticut, small group insurance laws often treat commonly owned LLCs as a single employer for health insurance purposes, especially when they share common ownership and operate in the same industry. However, since your coverage is union-sponsored and regulated by the Federal Department of... View More
I had a meeting with my boss a few weeks ago where he accused me of serious things. Following that meeting, I contacted HR, and now my hours have been cut entirely, leaving me off the schedule without any explanation. I have not received any written communication from HR or my employer about this... View More
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answered on May 15, 2025
It sounds like you’re in a tough situation where your hours were cut without explanation after raising concerns with HR. The fact that your boss accused you of serious things and now your hours have been reduced might be a form of retaliation, especially since no written communication has been... View More
I am currently in the US on an F2 visa and want to change my status to F1 within the US to enroll in a degree program in August 2025. Although my F2 visa expired in 2018, my status is valid until December 2025, and I have maintained compliance with visa regulations. My father was approved for an... View More
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answered on May 7, 2025
Your pending EB-2 NIW petition and DS-260 submission should not automatically disqualify you from changing your status from F2 to F1 within the United States. There is generally no detrimental consequence to an I-140 Derivative Spouse when changing to F-1 status because the I-140 petition is not... View More
I was arrested for a DUI a few years ago, and because it was my first offense, I was able to take a class to have it removed from my record. At the courthouse, I confirmed with someone there that I was all set. However, I was later arrested for unpaid court fees related to the case, which I paid... View More
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answered on May 14, 2025
In Connecticut, even if your original DUI was dismissed through a diversionary program, any later arrest related to that case—such as one for unpaid court fees—can still show up on a background check, depending on the type of check being run. Some background checks focus only on convictions,... View More
I'm currently hospitalized and unable to attend a hearing scheduled for a civil protection order I filed. The hearing is on Monday, 5/5/2025, at 9:30 AM. Since the court office won't be accessible until 9:00 AM on that day, I'm unable to notify them beforehand. What steps can I take... View More
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answered on May 4, 2025
You could have a CT attorney file a motion for continuance until a date after you're released from the hospital. Hoping you get well soon!
My mother wants to transfer the house to me using a Quitclaim Deed. The property is in Connecticut and has an existing mortgage. She plans to continue residing in the house after the transfer. We have not consulted a tax advisor yet. Would there be any taxes involved in this process?
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answered on May 15, 2025
In Connecticut, transferring property using a Quitclaim Deed may trigger certain taxes or fees, especially when there’s an outstanding mortgage involved. If your mother transfers the property to you and you assume responsibility for the mortgage, this may be considered a transfer for... View More
I am seeking to file a protection order issued in Singapore against an individual who is an American citizen living in Connecticut, USA. The protection order has not yet been filed in the US. How can I ensure this protection order is recognized and served in Connecticut, and what actions are... View More
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answered on May 15, 2025
What you're trying to do is serious and important, especially if you're concerned about your safety across borders. A protection order issued in Singapore won’t automatically be recognized or enforced in the United States, including Connecticut. To have it acknowledged, you’ll likely... View More
In Connecticut, what is the procedure for the police when a person without a valid license crashes a car that is registered in someone else's name, and the driver is unconscious in the hospital for 4-5 days? The car was insured, but the owner was unaware of the lack of a license. Additionally,... View More
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answered on May 14, 2025
In Connecticut, when a car crash involves an unlicensed driver, police are expected to investigate the incident fully, including identifying the driver and the vehicle’s registered owner. If the driver is hospitalized and unconscious, officers typically check the vehicle registration and... View More
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