A pre- or postnuptial agreement can save time and money
Premarital or post-marital agreements allow a couple to agree to important terms in the event the marriage ends in divorce. They can be very beneficial, saving both parties’ time, legal fees and acrimony. Connecticut law specifically allows couples to agree to terms regarding:
- Property rights
- Modification or elimination of spousal support
- Death benefits from a life insurance policy
- Disposition of property following the death of one spouse
| - The terms of any will or trust created by the agreement
- The rights of a party under either spouse’s retirement plan
- Any other matter, including personal rights and obligations
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However, individuals cannot make contracts that would be in violation of criminal law or that relate to the care, custody or visitation of children.
Our family law attorneys help couples from Connecticut with finalizing their premarital or post-marital agreements.
What do paternity actions involve?
Paternity refers to the legal identification of a child’s father. A child’s biological father is responsible for child support. A father also has legal rights to the child, such as visitation. Below are the methods for establishing paternity:
- Acknowledgement — A father who wishes to accept legal responsibility for his child must complete a sworn statement with the Department of Social Services or Department of Public Health.
- A court order — A court can order an individual to undergo biological testing to establish fatherhood. If conclusively established, the father’s name is included on the child’s birth certificate, and he becomes responsible for supporting the child.
A Connecticut family law attorney can explain more about the process.
Grandparents have a right to a substantial relationship with their grandchildren in Connecticut, according to state family laws
Grandparents have more significant rights regarding their grandchildren in Connecticut than in many other states. If a parent or stepparent limits a grandparent’s access to the child, grandparents can submit an affidavit to the court alleging that:
- A parent-like relationship exists between the affiant and the minor child
- Denial of visitation would cause real and significant harm
A court can then consider awarding visitation rights to the grandparents based on a long list of factors and supporting evidence. However, the court must also weigh the biological or custodial parents’ right to be free of governmental intrusion into their relationship with their child. It is important to speak to an attorney before deciding on a course of action.
Family law attorneys can act as guardians ad litem
A guardian ad litem is a representative appointed by the court during a proceeding to protect the child’s best interests. There are a number of situations that give rise to the need for a guardian ad litem, including:
- Probate proceedings
- Certain criminal cases
- Certain family law proceedings
| - Actions involving the termination of parental rights
- Situations potentially involving child abuse or neglect
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The role of the guardian is critical to ensuring that a child receives adequate legal protection, and our family lawyers from West Hartford offices fill this role on your behalf.
Contact an experienced Connecticut family law attorney
Flaherty Legal Group, LLC is a West Hartford law practice representing individuals in a variety of family law matters. Please visit our Divorce In Connecticut Blog to see articles written by Attorney Pam Magnano about Family Law topics including same-sex marriage, prenuptial agreements, the Children’s Law Center, and more.
Call the firm at (860) 904-2034 or contact the attorneys online to schedule an appointment, or to ask our attorneys how we’ve helped hundreds of residents of Bloomfield, Canton, Middletown, Avon and other CT towns.
