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Connecticut Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Connecticut on
Q: Divorce delay reasons and 'judge having the matter' meaning.

I have been trying to finalize my divorce since 2021. I signed all the documents before leaving Jamaica, but I currently live in Barbados. My husband resides in the United States, and I do not want anything from him. My lawyer says the delay is due to the judge 'having the matter.' We... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 13, 2025

When your lawyer says that the judge "has the matter," it means that the judge is currently reviewing the case or has been assigned to make decisions regarding your divorce. This phrase often refers to the judge taking time to go over all the necessary paperwork, filings, and any... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Civil Litigation for Connecticut on
Q: Is a motion to dismiss appropriate due to lack of dog identification on a nuisance summons issued in CT?

I own two dogs, Dog A and Dog B, who recently ran loose but caused no damage. The dog warden issued one ticket with two counts of nuisance, but neither dog was identified on the summons. I received the summons while retrieving Dog A from the pound. Dog B remained at the pound until I provided proof... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 13, 2025

Filing a motion to dismiss may be an appropriate action, especially if the summons does not identify which dog was involved in the nuisance. In Connecticut, legal documents like a summons should be clear about the specific party or entity involved. Without this detail, the summons may not provide... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Civil Litigation for Connecticut on
Q: Effect of vacated motion to compel on enforcement of payments in CT family court?

I am involved in a Connecticut family court case where there is an issue of contempt due to non-payment of childcare, medical reimbursements, and secondary educational expenses. Initially, a motion to compel was granted on February 2, 2025, but later, a motion for protective order was granted, and... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 13, 2025

When a motion to compel is vacated in Connecticut family court, it means the court has withdrawn its prior order that required one party to take specific action—in this case, likely producing documents or providing information. The vacating of that order, especially in light of a granted... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law for Connecticut on
Q: Is my termination legal after responding to workplace threats in an automotive shop in CT?

I work in an automotive shop and was involved in an argument where the other party threatened me with violence and made a motion to start a fight. Despite there being a supervisor witness and a video recording, I was terminated after verbally responding to the threats. The HR department explained... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 13, 2025

It sounds like you were involved in a difficult situation, and it’s understandable that you're questioning the fairness of your termination. In Connecticut, like most states, employees are considered "at-will," meaning an employer can terminate employment for almost any reason, as... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Intellectual Property and Entertainment / Sports for Connecticut on
Q: How to acquire rights to Grinch characters for a play?

I am part of a local amateur theatre group interested in acquiring rights to characters such as the Grinch, Max, the Whos, and Whoville for a play we wish to produce. We also want to include the songs “You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” “Welcome Christmas (Fa Who Foraze),” and “Trim Up... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 12, 2025

To secure rights for your play, you should first contact Dr. Seuss Enterprises directly, as they hold the copyright to all Grinch-related characters and materials. Visit their official website and look for licensing or rights permissions under their contact or FAQ section. If a specific licensing... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright for Connecticut on
Q: Can I play YouTube concert videos at a ticketed, donation-only fundraising event without violating copyright laws?

I am hosting a fundraising event for a non-profit organization, where we plan to play YouTube videos of various artists' concerts on large video screens. The event is ticketed, but entry is via donation only, with no merchandise sales or concessions. All videos will be accessed through YouTube... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 12, 2025

Your plan to play YouTube concert videos at your fundraising event, even if accessed through YouTube Premium, could lead to copyright issues. YouTube Premium subscriptions grant you personal, private viewing rights, but they do not cover public performances. Public performance rights are separate... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Probate and Real Estate Law for Connecticut on
Q: Can executrix change locks on an empty estate house in CT?

As the court-appointed executrix for my deceased sister's estate, am I allowed to change the locks on her house now? The house is currently empty, there are no other heirs or beneficiaries, and I have not faced any resistance from others involved with the estate.

Steven Basche
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Steven Basche
answered on Mar 3, 2025

You can and should change the locks. One of the primary duties of the executor is to take control of the estate's assets. You should also check to see if there is insurance on the house.

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant and Contracts for Connecticut on
Q: Can I deduct increased electric bills due to a failed central heating system from rent?

I am renting a property where the agreement states that I pay for electricity, while the landlord provides heat, water, and gas. The central heating, which is not electricity-based, is currently out of order. The landlord has given us space heaters, leading to a significant increase in our... View More

Alan Harrison
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answered on Feb 26, 2025

Probably yes, to the extent that you can clearly trace the higher electric bill to consumption by the space heaters. This could be a litigated question, and the cost of litigation would likely be two orders of magnitude more than the difference in your electric bill, with very little prospect of... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Gaming and Internet Law for Connecticut on
Q: Is it legal to operate an online skill game with prizes in CT?

I am planning to create an online game in Connecticut that is open to participants aged 18 and older from any state. The game awards virtual currency as prizes to winners, and it is a game of skill. Participants will be charged a fee for services. There are no specific terms or conditions other... View More

Alan Harrison
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answered on Feb 26, 2025

You propose an interesting and potentially lucrative enterprise. The distinction between "skill" or "chance" will be significant to state regulators. Games of chance require special licensing. Games of skill do not. To the extent that your game of skill might incorporate a... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law and Securities Law for Connecticut on
Q: Is day trading legal for F1 visa holders in the US?

I am on an F1 visa and have been engaging in day trading with a cash account since last year. I executed around 300 trades and earned approximately $900. I've recently learned that day trading might be a violation of my visa status. I have not received any notice from the authorities, but I... View More

Ian E. Scott
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answered on Feb 24, 2025

If you are managing your own funds, it is unlikely that this could rise to the level of work. As such, it is likely not a status violation. This would be different if you were managing money for other people and or being paid for your activities.

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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Connecticut on
Q: Is TOD for car in CT a suitable approach to avoid probate?

I am 85 years old and live in Connecticut. I have a car with a $10,000 balance and some furniture, which I plan to donate to Vietnam Veterans. I have a will, and I want to ensure my estate avoids probate for my children's sake. I'm considering a Transfer on Death (TOD) to my grandson for... View More

Steven Basche
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Steven Basche
answered on Feb 20, 2025

Designating a beneficiary for your car will keep it out of probate. DMV has a form you can attach to your registration. If you search CT DMV beneficiary designation, you should find that form. But you should know that having a will does not take your estate out of probate. Your will is your... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Public Benefits and Social Security for Connecticut on
Q: Will owning two cars affect SSI eligibility in Connecticut?

I currently collect Social Security and own two vehicles: one for daily errands and another as a backup for doctor appointments if the primary one breaks down. Will owning these two cars affect my eligibility if I apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 17, 2025

Owning two vehicles in Connecticut won't automatically disqualify you from SSI eligibility. The Social Security Administration understands that people sometimes need reliable transportation, especially for medical appointments.

For SSI purposes, one vehicle is completely excluded from...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Tax Law for Connecticut on
Q: I am a US citizen. Can I get a passport if I owe$22k to the IRS support arrears?

I’m looking to travel to Columbia to meet with my fiancé in September for a couple of weeks and return to Colombia end of December to spend New Year’s Eve with my fiancé and get married

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 28, 2025

If you owe $22,000 to the IRS, it’s important to understand how that might affect your ability to get a U.S. passport. Generally, the government can deny or revoke a passport if you owe $59,000 or more in “seriously delinquent” tax debt, including penalties and interest. Since your debt is... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Trademark for Connecticut on
Q: Can a unique illustrated logo be used with a generic word to obtain a registered service mark of logo/word?

We are looking to file a Letter of Protest against a company that is trying to trademark (service mark) their logo with the generic word Soundbath.

Soundbath is a generic term that many of us have used for years in the field of music, and rely on the word to promote and describe our works.... View More

Alan Harrison
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answered on Jan 15, 2025

You probably would need to wait until the Opposition stage to submit evidence about the genericity of "Soundbath" and force them to "disclaim" it.

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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Bankruptcy and Family Law for Connecticut on
Q: My wife and I are currently seperated, but living together. We have debt, a home, and children.

We have about 80,000 in debt that is currently only in my name through credit cards and debt consolidation. This was for some personal use, but mainly for pop up expenses. The home is in my in-laws and wife's name. This is because we were able to get a better rate with them on and myself off... View More

Angela I. Salvari Green
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Angela I. Salvari Green
answered on Jan 14, 2025

How long have you been married? How long ago was the home purchased? Did you use any of your pre-marital funds as a down payment? There are numerous questions that will need to be answered to address your question. I would also need to know your income. Did you meet with a bankruptcy attorney... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Trademark for Connecticut on
Q: Is www.ozempicsideeffects.com a trademark infringement.
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 2, 2025

Determining whether www.ozempicsideeffects.com infringes on a trademark involves several considerations. You should first check if "Ozempic" is a registered trademark and understand the scope of its protection.

Next, assess how the website uses the term. If it's providing...
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1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Connecticut on
Q: I have a Court Case in a different state, Is there a way I can do it over video or have a lawyer go in place?

Court case is in VA Beach on the 17th of Jan, But I now live in Connecticut. What can I do to get this over with

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Dec 27, 2024

A Virginia attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a week and your hearing date is around the corner. You could contact attorneys in the Virginia Beach area. It is common for traffic ticket defense attorneys to represent out-of-state drivers who find it difficult to appear at... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Connecticut on
Q: i am on H1B visa with my home address as remote work address, i am changing to different address in same MSA, Process?

I am currently on an H1B visa, and my petition was filed with a home address (remote work location) included in the LCA. Due to a lease issue, I am planning to move to a new home address within the same Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) as the current address listed in my LCA.

From my... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 17, 2024

Your understanding of the H1B visa address change process within the same MSA is correct. The key point is that since you're staying in the same Metropolitan Statistical Area, your employer doesn't need to file an H1B amendment.

For compliance purposes, you should inform your...
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1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation and Business Law for Connecticut on
Q: How does it work when you have multiple side hustles under your legal name as a sole propietor in CT?

Over the next two years I plan to have three side hustles:

- ESL Tutor

- Marketing

- Niche Content Creator

If I operate these under my legal name. How do I stay in compliance? I know that I will have to file separate Schedule Cs. The state website says I need a... View More

Alan Harrison
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answered on Dec 14, 2024

I'm glad to answer this question.

For almost all businesses you need a sales and use tax permit. You get that from DRS through myconnect.

I think that you can only have one permit per TIN so as a sole proprietor you would file only one return and payment per reporting period....
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