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FAMILY LAW
Mine is a client-centered family
law practice because I work closely with my clients to
determine their needs, rights and options in every case. Each
client's focus is different because of many factors. I do not
pre-determine the course of each matter. I guide my
clients to understand the issues, and I advocate for their
interests in every venue.
Each client's focus is different because of the length of the marriage, children of the marriage,
life styles and many other factors.
I have been practicing law in the field of family law since I received my J.D. degree from Fordham Law School in 1984.
In my first years of practice, I was guided by an attorney who was one of the authors of Connecticut's equitable
distribution statute. That statute established the legal foundation for the division of property in all matrimonial
cases.
I have represented husbands and wives and children of all income and asset types and sizes. I have a broad
background in family law.
My family law practice includes:
- Prenuptial agreements
- Restraining orders
- Dissolutions of marriage (divorce)
- Legal separations
- Support of spouses
- Annulments of marriage
- Post-judgment modifications of financial issues
- Paternity matters
and particularly concerning children, my family law practice includes:
- Legal and physical custody
- Visitation with non-custodial parents and third-parties
- Child support and arrearages
- Health care obligations
- Garnishments
- Modifications of existing support and custody orders
- Change of residence
- Termination of parental rights
- Local adoptions
- Guardianships
My extensive family law experience has included trials about sexual and physical abuse involving parents and children;
my experience includes claims for custody by fathers as well as mothers. I have often represented clients in situations
of dependency on alcohol and drugs, and I have come to understand the difficulties of dealing with the physical and
mental aspects of the disease.
The nature of family law practice is highly personal and must be "client-centered". The emotional well-being of my
client and any children in a family law matter is a paramount concern to me. I strongly favor the involvement of
mental health professionals ranging from psychiatrists to social workers in appropriate cases. It is of the
utmost concern to me that the emotional toll on the family be properly addressed throughout legal proceedings.
This is necessary whether or not mental health professionals must ultimately provide guidance to the Court.
I believe in a commitment to each client which requires ready accessibility. The nature of family law proceedings
is such that clients need advice on issues and circumstances promptly. Parties need guidance quickly when
quandaries arise. My clients are assured that I will talk to them as quickly as possible and almost always
within five hours of a call to me.
My clients work with me, not a legal assistant, in the preparation of
materials for court, including financial affidavits and discovery items. This working relationship is
cost-justified by the efficiency which I bring to such efforts and the benefit of a greater depth of knowledge
about detailed aspects of each case which results.
In lower Fairfield County, I practice in the Stamford, Bridgeport and Danbury Superior Courts.
My mission in every family law matter is to bring the proceedings to an equitable and sensible conclusion which
is understood by and satisfactory to my client.
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