Divorce

Wouldn’t Want To Be On The Losing Side Of This One

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The Connecticut Appellate Court just upheld a trial court ruling finding a plaintiff in contempt and ordering the plaintiff to pay the defendant $71,475.10 in attorney’s fees.  Hirschfeld v. Machinist. The parties got divorced in 2007 by entering into a separation agreement. The agreement contained a merger clause stating there were no outstanding issues between … Read more

Getting Married In Connecticut

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What are the requirements for a valid marriage ceremony in Connecticut? 1. The physical presence of the parties before an official licensed to perform a marriage ceremony in Connecticut; and
2. A third party official must witness or officiate at a ceremony herein the parties each presently consent to marriage. Hames v. Hames, 163 Conn. 588 (1972).

A Pain In The Asset: Dividing Pet Medical Expenses In A Divorce

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by Ryan McKeen For better or for worse continues to go to the dogs. Dog’s are expensive. Especially, sick dogs. Any dog owner understands that pet medical bills can be no small expense. Under Connecticut law, pets are personal property. There is little legal difference between a dog and a car. Recently, a Connecticut Superior … Read more

What Lawyers Can Learn From Jon and Kate Plus 8

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by Ryan McKeen Jon: “I don’t hate Kate BUT….” I hear “it was nice BUT all the time.” For example, it was a great restaurant BUT the service was horrible or it was a great movie BUT it was too long. The truth is great restaurants have great service and great movies end too soon. … Read more

The Process of Divorce

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by Ryan C. McKeen Counseling clients in a divorce is a little like being an airline pilot. Clients are a lot like airline passengers and the process of divorce is a lot like a flying on a commercial aircraft. For starters, passengers know their final destination……getting a divorce. I often think divorce cases follow the … Read more

Thoughts on the Douglas-David Divorce: Pedroia > Countess

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On a normal day, the halls of Hartford Family Court are a strange place. If you’ve never been, the building is mostly one giant hallway.  Even on slow days, the building feels like a crowded subway car. Too many people, too few seats. Sometimes it’s hot. Sometimes, like a subway car people don’t shower before entering. … Read more

CT Judge Rules That Halloween Is “A Pain In The Neck”

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Here’s the actual quote: “Halloween. For the next five years, Halloween is probably fun but then it’s going to become a pain in the neck to you.” Henderson v. Henderson, 2003 WL 23177463 (Munro, J.) A few thoughts here: First, the five years are up for the Hendersons. I hope they enjoy their last “probably … Read more