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Connecticut Family Law Questions & Answers
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 Child Support, Divorce and Family Law for Connecticut on
Q: Online article to explain to ex-wife her obligations too chicken as the custodial and supported spouse regarding expense

Is there anything online that I can show my ex-wife that will explain to her her obligations to paying the children's expenses given that she's the custodial parent and she gets alimony and child support and has sufficient funds to pay for everything. The divorce decree was quite specific... View More

Brock Richard Wood
Brock Richard Wood
answered on Nov 27, 2024

If your ex-spouse is harassing you to share in expenses that you are not required to share in per the order of the court, you should probably hire a lawyer for one or two hours of work to draft and mail a letter to your ex-spouse. The letter should explain what expenses the court order requires... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Real Estate Law, Divorce and Family Law for Connecticut on
Q: Does a power of attorney allow someone to sign real estate documents for sale if joint owner of home is in jail in CT?

My husband and I are divorcing. We put our house on the market and it is scheduled to close on 5/1. He was arrested on 3/20 and is in jail because he has a $2million cash bond. Unless he changed the estate plan, I have POA. Can I sign for the closing/deed if he is in jail?

Steven Basche
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Steven Basche
answered on Mar 25, 2024

If you have the original POA, with the actual original signature, and it has not been revoked, you could use it to sign the deed for your closing. You should check with your husband to verify that it has not been revoked, and you should give the original POA to your closing attorney for review.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Adoption and Family Law for Connecticut on
Q: I was born in Puerto Rico but I was adopted in New York and changed my name how can I obtain a B.C. With my new name?

Really need a birth certificate to get license help please

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Jan 12, 2024

To obtain a birth certificate with your new name after being adopted in New York, you will need to follow a specific process. First, you should contact the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene or the Vital Records office in the city where your adoption was finalized. You will... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Family Law and Public Benefits for Connecticut on
Q: Can I gain custody of my sibling while receiving SNAP and state health insurance?

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

James L. Arrasmith
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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...
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1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence, Child Custody and Family Law for Connecticut on
Q: What to expect after a first-time domestic violence arrest with a no-contact order and upcoming court hearing.

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?

James L. Arrasmith
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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

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Civil Litigation, Divorce and Family Law for Connecticut on
Q: Seeking to file a civil lawsuit in CT to reclaim dog custody from ex-husband. What are the next steps?

I need advice on filing a civil lawsuit against my ex-husband to regain custody of my dog. We agreed on a fifty-fifty custody arrangement, but he unexpectedly decided to keep the dog. I possess the adoption paperwork; however, the dog isn’t mentioned in our divorce decree. Despite attempts to... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 14, 2025

I'm really sorry you’re dealing with this—losing a pet, especially in an emotional breakup, can feel just as painful as losing a family member. Since the dog wasn’t mentioned in your divorce decree, the court didn’t assign legal ownership, so you’re right that a civil lawsuit is... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Car Accidents, Civil Litigation, Wrongful Death and Personal Injury for Connecticut on
Q: Protecting assets after minor's vehicular manslaughter in CT

I am a Connecticut parent seeking advice on protecting my assets after my 17-year-old minor child committed vehicular manslaughter. They drove our car without permission, and there are witnesses who have provided statements confirming this. Legal discussions with the victim's family are... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 14, 2025

You’re facing an incredibly heavy situation, and wanting to protect your family’s future while navigating the legal aftermath is both reasonable and responsible. In Connecticut, parents can be held civilly liable for damages caused by a minor’s actions, especially when a family vehicle is... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law, Child Support, Tax Law and Family Law for Connecticut on
Q: Can I appeal child support adjustment with new evidence of income type change?

I lost my post-judgment on additional child support because my ex-spouse changed his business structure from an S Corp to a C Corp, and consequently, he no longer has a K-1 form. I believe the income from the business should still be considered in the child support calculation despite the change. I... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 16, 2025

Yes, you may still have grounds to appeal the child support adjustment, especially if you can demonstrate that your ex-spouse’s change in business structure was used to obscure actual income. The court’s responsibility is to assess the parent’s *true earning capacity and available resources*,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law, Child Support, Tax Law and Family Law for Connecticut on
Q: Can business income change affect child support appeal?

I lost my post-judgment on additional child support because my ex-spouse recently changed his business structure from an S Corp to a C Corp, resulting in the loss of the K-1 form that was originally used for calculating additional child support. I believe that the income derived from his business... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 16, 2025

You can still ask the court to impute income based on his business earnings even though the entity changed from an S Corp to a C Corp. Gather his W‑2 wages, corporate tax returns (Form 1120) showing profit distributions, and IRS wage and income transcripts to document the same underlying... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Connecticut on
Q: Is an online marriage valid in the US for two American citizens?

If two American citizens get married online using a recommended platform with witnesses, is the marriage valid in the United States?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 14, 2025

In the United States, the legality of an online marriage can vary depending on the state where the couple resides. Some states have begun recognizing online marriages, particularly those performed through authorized platforms with virtual officiants and witnesses, as long as the couple meets all... 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 Child Support, Public Benefits and Family Law for Connecticut on
Q: I owe child support in CT while my daughter lived with me, as her mother received assistance in Puerto Rico.

I am facing an issue with child support related to my daughter, who lived in Puerto Rico with her mother before moving to Hartford, CT to live with me. Her mother was receiving food stamps and medical assistance for her in Puerto Rico, and continued to do so despite my daughter living with me in... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 13, 2025

It seems like you’re dealing with a complicated situation involving child support payments and the overlap of public assistance between Connecticut and Puerto Rico. Since your daughter was living with you in Hartford and you were receiving benefits for her, while her mother continued to receive... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for Connecticut on
Q: How to modify visitation due to child's behavioral changes?

I currently have sole custody of my child, but I'm considering filing a motion for modification to shorten visitation with the other parent. I've noticed that my child has difficulty sleeping and using the bathroom while visiting them. Additionally, my child is homeschooled, and needs to... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 13, 2025

Before proceeding with a motion to modify visitation, it’s important to consider how significant the behavioral changes are and whether they can be addressed through other means. If your child’s sleep issues and difficulties with using the bathroom are impacting their well-being, you may want... View More

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 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

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Criminal Law, Estate Planning and Family Law for Connecticut on
Q: Can someone show me how to test myself and answer questions not just studies cases. I want some proof it working
Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Oct 27, 2024

A Connecticut attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. It sounds like you are a student taking law classes. You could check whether there are free sample questions online, either through undergrad courses or sample multistate questions for bar exams. There probably... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Connecticut on
Q: Can a QDRO be cancelled or modified if the ex spouse clearly violated the divorce agreement?
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answered on Sep 7, 2023

In Connecticut, a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) is a legal document that divides retirement assets between divorcing spouses. While I'm not a lawyer, I can provide some general information. Modifying or canceling a QDRO typically requires legal action. If your ex-spouse has... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Connecticut on
Q: Does my ex need to have his car and carseat for our four year old during overnight visits? Girlfriend has it

I'm just wondering if there's an emergency or something I don't like the fact that he's there without a car on his weekend nights. I guess he can call 911 but I would prefer he get to the hospital quicker

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Jul 17, 2023

In Connecticut, family law matters such as child custody and visitation are typically determined based on the best interests of the child. The specific details of your custody arrangement may be outlined in your custody order or parenting plan. Regarding transportation for your child during... View More

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