Family Matters
General Information | Divorce |
Family
Services | Custody and Visitation |
Going to Court | Child Support |
Guardian Ad Litem | Attorney for Minor Child
See Family Services Videos
General Information
- Can I look up my family case online?
- Where can I get more information or help?
- Can I hire a lawyer to help me with part of my court case?
- Who decides family matters?
- I am representing myself in family civil court; can I get general information about the process online?
- I am a party in a family case. How do I change the address that the Court has on file?
Divorce
- I want to file for divorce but can’t afford an attorney. Are there resources available?
- What are the steps I will need to take to start a divorce?
- What does it cost to file papers with the court?
- What forms will I need to complete to start a divorce?
- My spouse has filed for divorce. How do I respond?
- What are automatic orders?
- How long will I have to wait to get divorced?
- What is an uncontested divorce?
- How do I finalize my uncontested divorce?
- What is a contested divorce?
- What resources does Family Services have available to assist parties in reaching an agreement?
- Do I need to pay a fee if I have been referred to Family Services?
- How do I get a copy of my divorce decree (or other documents filed in my divorce case)?
General Information
- What is "Family Services" (sometimes called "Family Relations")?
- Do I need to pay a fee if I have been referred to Family Services?
- What does Family Services offer its clients?
- I have questions about divorce and custody. Can I contact a Family Services office for general information?
Referral to Family Services
- What is the role of Family Relation Counselors?
- How do I get referred to Family Services?
- I was referred to Family Services for a Comprehensive Evaluation. What can I expect at my first appointment?
What to
expect from Family Services
- A motion has been filed and my case is scheduled for court, will I see a Family Relations Counselor?
- I will be meeting with a Family Relations Counselor on a motion for child support. What can I do before the meeting to prepare?
- I have been referred to Family Services for a Comprehensive Evaluation. What can I expect at my first appointment?
- What is a Family Civil Intake Screen?
Custody and Visitation
- What is joint custody?
- What is sole custody?
- What is the Parenting Education Program?
- What are the different types of visitation?
- What resources does Family Services have available to assist parties in reaching an agreement?
Going to Court
- What kinds of matters are decided in family court in Connecticut?
- Where are the courts for family matters?
- What should I do to get ready for court?
Child Support
- Where can I get information about Child Support?
- I will be meeting with a Family Relations Counselor on a motion before a judge for child support. What can I do before the meeting to prepare?
Guardian Ad Litem
- What is a guardian ad litem (GAL)?
- Who can be a GAL?
- What is the role of a GAL?
- What can a parent in a family court matter expect from a GAL?
- Who pays the GAL?
- Is there a sliding scale fee option for parents with limited resources?
- Can a GAL be removed from a case?
- Is there a list of individuals qualified to be appointed as a Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) in a family case?
- Is there a Code of Conduct for Guardians Ad Litem?
Attorney for the Minor Child
- What is an Attorney for a Minor Child (AMC)?
- Who can be an AMC?
- What is the role of an AMC?
- What can a parent in a family court matter expect from an AMC?
- Who pays the AMC?
- Can an AMC be removed from a case?
- Is there a list of individuals qualified to be appointed as an Attorney for a Minor Child (AMC) in a family case?
- Is there a Code of Conduct for Attorneys for the Minor Child?
1. Can I look up my family case online?
Usually, you can see a summary of your case online in the
Civil/Family Case Look-up
after it has been filed, although no papers filed in the case can be seen
online. With some exceptions (such as divorces, which stay on the
website for about 10 years), cases stay on the website for a length of time
that follows the schedule in Sections
7-10 and 7-11 of the Connecticut Practice Book.
However, federal law prohibits certain information about restraining orders
from being put on a public website, so if you are involved in a restraining
order case, you will not be able to see information about your case online.
2. Where can I get more information or help?
- You may want to talk to an attorney if you think you need help with your case. The "Find
a Lawyer" section of the Judicial Branch website may help you find an attorney.
- Most Judicial District courthouses have a
Court Service Center.
Court Service Centers are self-help centers that provide services for
self-represented parties and others. They are staffed by Judicial Branch
employees and some Court Service Centers have bilingual staff.
- There are also a number of Judicial Branch
Publications about Family
Matters. You can find them on the Judicial Branch web site and at Judicial District court locations. You may also want to review the "Self-Help"
section of the Judicial Branch website for information that could apply
to your situation, as well as the "Links
Related to Family".
- The Connecticut Network for Legal Aid also has a number of self-help
booklets for certain family matters that are on their web site.
- Additional information is also available at the
Law Libraries
- To hire a lawyer for part of your case, see
Limited Scope
Representation - Frequently Asked Questions.
- The Judicial Branch has
Volunteer Attorney Programs.
3. Can I hire a lawyer to help me with part of my
court case?For information about hiring a lawyer for part of your court case, please see the
Limited Scope Representation Frequently Asked Questions. You may also download the
informational pamphlet: Hiring a Lawyer for Part of Your Legal Matter ("Limited Scope
Representation") - PDF
4. Who decides family matters?
Judges decide most family matters. However, if a
paternity or support case is brought under Title IV-D of the Social Security
Act, or a party to the case signs up for IV-D services for the collection or
enforcement of child support, a
family support magistrate
would decide the matter. For more information, see
Support Enforcement
Services Child Support.
5. I am representing myself in family civil court; can I get general
information about the process online?
Yes, the
Representing Yourself
section of the website contains frequently asked questions and answers to
assist self-represented parties. You may also want to review
Publications and Videos related to
family matters.
6. I am a party in a family case. How do I change the address that the Court has on file?
You would need to file an updated
Appearance Form.
Check the box right under the instructions that says I am filing this
appearance to let the court and all attorneys and self-represented parties
of record know that I have changed my address. My new address is below. Then
fill in your complete updated address on the form.
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Divorce
7. I want to file for divorce but can’t afford an attorney. Are there resources available?
The Do-It Yourself Divorce Guide
- (en epañol) is a
publication designed to help people without formal legal training obtain a divorce.
- In addition, most Judicial District courthouses have a Court Service Center.
Court Service Centers are self-help centers that provide services for self-represented parties and others. They are staffed by Judicial Branch
employees and some Court Service Centers have bilingual staff.
- There are also a number of Judicial Branch Publications about Family Matters. You can find them on the Judicial Branch web site and at
Judicial District court locations.
- You may also want to review the "Self-Help"
section of the Judicial Branch website for information that could apply to
your situation, as well as the "Links
Related to Family".
- The
Connecticut Network for Legal Aid also has a number of self-help
booklets for certain family matters that are on their web site.
- Additional information is also available at the
Law Libraries
- To hire a lawyer for part of your case, see
Limited Scope Representation - Frequently Asked Questions.
- The Judicial Branch has
Volunteer Attorney Programs.
8. What are the steps I will need to take to start a divorce?
The Do-It Yourself
Divorce Guide - (en epañol) provides the steps you will need to take to get a divorce.
You may also want to view the
How to File for
Divorce Video
9. What does it cost to file papers with the court?
There are different fees for different
kinds of papers that you might be filing with the court. The fees are listed
in the Fee
Schedule.
10. What forms will I need to complete to start a divorce?
The Do-It
Yourself Divorce Guide - (en epañol) provides the forms you will need to file for
divorce. If you have children and want to file for divorce, you will need to
complete these forms:
Filing for Divorce with Children. If you do not have children and would
like to file for divorce, you will need to file these forms:
Filing for Divorce
without Children.
11. My spouse has filed for divorce. How do I respond?
The Do-It
Yourself Divorce Guide - (en epañol) provides the steps you will need to respond to a
divorce. You will need to complete these
Forms to Respond to a Divorce.
12. What are automatic orders?
Filing divorce papers trigger certain automatic court orders that protect you, your
spouse and any children of the marriage or civil union. If you are the
plaintiff, the automatic orders apply to you when you sign the complaint.
If you are the defendant, the automatic orders apply to you when you are
served the summons and complaint. The Do-It Yourself
Divorce Guide - (en epañol) provides further information on automatic court orders.
13. How long will I have to wait to get divorced?
You must wait at least 90 days after your divorce action starts to get a judgment of divorce.
For more information, see the
Do-It Yourself Divorce Guide
- (en epañol).
14. What is an uncontested divorce?
"Uncontested" is a word that is used to
describe a case where the parties agree on all of the issues.
For more
information, see the Your Uncontested Divorce Video
15. How do I finalize my uncontested divorce?
The Do-It Yourself
Divorce Guide - (en epañol) provides the steps you will need to finalize your uncontested divorce.
16. What is a contested divorce?
In any family case where the parties
do not have an agreement, it may be handled in a way that gives the parties
a chance to settle the case. For example, the case may be assigned for a
Special Masters pretrial, where experienced attorneys who volunteer their
time meet with the attorneys and the parties in the case to try to solve the
issues. There are a number of other programs to help the case to be decided
without a trial. Which program is right depends on the case. If the case can
be decided without a trial, it can be handled as an uncontested case,
sometimes on the same day. However, if the parties are not able to agree, a
hearing or trial will be scheduled.
17. What resources does Family Services have available to assist parties in reaching an agreement?
The role of Family Services is to assist the Court and clients in the timely and fair
resolution of family and interpersonal conflicts through a comprehensive
program of dispute resolution services, evaluation and education.
For a complete list of programs, see the
Family Services
Programs brochure.
18. Do I need to
pay a fee if I have been referred to Family Services?
There are no
fees associated with services that Family Services provides. However, there
may be fees associated with programs that Family Services recommends that
you attend.
19. How do I get a copy of my divorce decree (or other document filed in my
divorce case)?
A copy of a document filed in your divorce case can
generally be obtained from the Judicial District Clerk's Office in the court
location where the divorce took place. Your divorce decree is referred to as
the "Judgment File." The Clerk's Office will need your case name and docket
number (the number that was assigned to the case), and there are
fees for
copying and certifying. Judgment Files have a flat fee, other documents have
a per page copying fee with a certification fee, if needed.
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Family Services
General Information
20. What is "Family Services" (sometimes called "Family Relations")?
The
Family Services
Office of the Judicial Branch’s Court Support Services Division (CSSD)
is sometimes referred to as "Family Relations" in family court. The Family
Services Office provides negotiation, mediation and evaluation services to
help the court and clients resolve child custody/access and financial
matters. Family Services staff also work in the criminal court with
defendants who have been arrested for family violence and provide
assessments and recommendations focusing on victim safety and risk
reduction. A description of the services provided by CSSD is in the
Family Services
Programs brochure.
21. Do I need to pay
a fee if I have been referred to Family Services?
There are no fees
associated with services that Family Services provides. However, there may
be fees associated with programs that Family Services recommends that you
attend.
22. What does Family Services offer its clients?
Family Services offers:
- Negotiation
- Conciliation
- Mediation
- Pre-Trial Mediation Settlement
- Conflict Resolution Conferences
- Issue Focused Evaluations
- Comprehensive Evaluations
For a more detailed description of these services, you may want to review
the Family Services Program brochure.
23. I have questions about divorce and custody. Can I contact a Family Services office
for general information?
Yes, you may contact a Family Services Office
for help with your questions; however, the office cannot give legal advice. This website contains a list of local
Family Services’ Offices.
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Referral to Family Services
24. What is the role of Family Relations Counselors?
Family relations counselors assist judges and clients in the timely and fair
resolution of family and interpersonal conflicts through a comprehensive
program of dispute resolution services, evaluation and education. For more
information on these services, please review the
Family Services Programs brochure.
25. How do I get referred to Family Services?
Most services that are offered require
a court order for referral after a Family Relations Counselor has conducted
an intake interview.
26. I have been referred to Family Services for a Comprehensive Evaluation. What can I expect at my first appointment?
Your first appointment with the Family Relations Counselor may be a
joint meeting with the other parent of your child (or children). At this
appointment, you will talk about the concerns you have about your children
and answer concerns that the other parent may raise.
You may also be
asked to sign a release of information form that allows the Family Relations
Counselor to collect information from other sources that are involved with
your family, such as the children’s school, pediatrician, mental health
professionals, and others.
It is important to:
- Be on time for your scheduled appointment.
- Bring your filled-out Comprehensive Evaluation Questionnaire. This form will be mailed to you before your first interview.
- Only bring your child(ren) to the appointment if the Family Relations Counselor has asked you to do so.
- For more information, see the Comprehensive Evaluation Brochure
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What to expect from Family Services
27. A motion has been filed and my case is scheduled for court, will I see a Family Relations Counselor?
In most cases you will meet with a Family Relations Counselor before your case
is heard by a judge. The Family Relations Counselor will try to help you
resolve the dispute that brought you to the court. The Family Relations
Counselor will also meet with the other party and with any attorneys who
have filed an appearance in your case.
28. I will be meeting with a Family Relations Counselor on a motion for child support. What can I do before the meeting to prepare?
You should fill out a financial
affidavit before meeting with Family Services. You can also find this
form at the Court Services Center in the courthouse. A Family Relations
Counselor will help you and the other parent of your child (or children) to
fill out a child support guideline worksheet.
29. I have been referred to Family Services for a Comprehensive Evaluation.
What can I expect at my first appointment?
Your first appointment with the Family Relations Counselor may be a joint meeting with the other
parent of your child (or children). At this appointment, you will talk about
the concerns you have about your children and answer concerns that the other
parent may raise.
You may also be asked to sign a release of information form that allows the Family Relations Counselor to collect
information from other sources that are involved with your family, such as
the children’s school, pediatrician, mental health professionals, and
others.
It is important to:
- Be on time for your scheduled appointment.
- Bring your filled-out Comprehensive Evaluation
Questionnaire. This form will be mailed to you before your first interview.
- Only bring your child(ren) to the appointment if the Family Relations
Counselor has asked you to do so.
For more information, see the
Comprehensive Evaluation Brochure
30. What is a Family Civil Intake Screen?
When a dispute regarding custody or access is referred to Family Services, a Family Relations
Counselor will ask both parents a series of questions to identify the level
of conflict and complexity of issues between the parents. The screening
includes questions about:
- current court orders
- past and present parenting concerns
- level of conflict between the parents
Some of the questions may not be about your case, but are asked of all parents who go
through the screening process. This screen helps Family Services determine
if mediation, conflict resolution conference, issue focused evaluation, or a
comprehensive evaluation is the appropriate service to help the parents to
resolve their conflict.
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Custody and Visitation
31. What is a joint custody?
Joint custody means that both parents make the major decisions in a child’s
life together, like the child’s education, religious upbringing, or major
medical care. Daily decisions like bedtime or what the child will wear are
usually made by the parent who is with the child at the time. Joint custody
does not mean that the child must live half the time with one parent and
half the time with the other.
32. What is sole custody?
Sole custody means that the child will live primarily with one parent. That parent has
the final decision-making responsibility for the child and is called the
custodial parent. The custodial parent may, however, consult with the
non-custodial parent. Usually, the judge will make sure the child has
ongoing contact, or visitation, with the noncustodial parent.
33. What is the Parenting Education Program?
Parenting education programs are
classes designed to educate adults about the many issues children face when
their family situation changes. The programs train participants about how to
help children adjust in a healthy way to divorce or living apart from a
parent. The programs include information about children’s developmental
stages, helping children adjust to parent separation, cooperative parenting,
conflict management and dispute resolution techniques, guidelines for
visitation and parent access, and stress reduction for children.
For more
information, see the Parent Education Program Brochure
34. What are the different types of visitation?
There are four different types of visitation (also called
parenting time or access).
- Reasonable visitation means you and your spouse want to
arrange parenting time with your child yourselves.
- Fixed schedule visitation means setting definite hours during
the week for the child to spend time with the noncustodial parent. Fixed
schedules can include overnight visits, weekends, weekday evenings and
sharing holidays, school vacations and summers.
- Supervised visitation means that some responsible adult must
be present when the child is visiting a parent. The judge may order
supervised visitation if the safety of the child is concerned.
View a
listing of secure visitation centers.
- A non-contact order means that the noncustodial parents may
not see the child because the judge has decided contact with the parent
is not in the child’s best interest.
35. What resources does Family Services have available to assist parties in reaching an agreement?
Family Services has a number of resources that help parties to reach an agreement. These resources include:
- Negotiation
- Conciliation
- Mediation
- Pre-Trial Mediation Settlement
- Conflict Resolution Conferences
- Issue Focused Evaluations
- Comprehensive Evaluations
For a more detailed description of these services, you may want to review
the Family Services Programs brochure.
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Going to Court
36. What kinds of matters are decided in family court in Connecticut?
- Divorce (Dissolution of Marriage and Dissolution of Civil Union)
- Legal Separation
- Annulment
- Name Changes
- Custody of Children l Restraining Orders (Relief From Abuse – family or household member)
- Visitation of Children
- Paternity
- Child Support
Although some states consider them family matters, in Connecticut,
Juvenile Matters are handled in a separate
Juvenile Court and adoptions are handled primarily in
Probate Court.
37. Where are the courts for family matters?
Generally, hearings in family matters are held in the Judicial District
courthouses of the Superior Court. A Directory of Judicial District Courthouses is available and
Directions
may also be found on this web site. The date and location of any court event
on a case would be on the paperwork sent to you by the court about that
event. For example, if you have a hearing on a calendar, the information
about when and where to go would be on the copy of the calendar that is sent
to you. If the court has sent you a notice about an event, the information
would be in the notice. If court papers were delivered to you or served on
you that show that a hearing is scheduled, the date, time and location of
the hearing would be in that paperwork. Court staff at the Clerk’s Office or
Court Service Center where the case was filed can help anyone with questions
about when and where to come to court.
38. What should I do to get ready for court?
This video provides practical advice as to what you should do to get ready
for court.
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Child Support
39. Where can I get information
about Child Support Enforcement Services?
Information about Child Support Enforcement Services is on the Judicial Branch website at
Support Enforcement
Services.
40. I will be meeting with a Family Relations Counselor on a motion before a Judge for child
support. What can I do before the meeting to prepare?
You should fill out a
financial affidavit before meeting with Family Services. You can also
find this form at the Court Services Center in the courthouse. A Family
Relations Counselor will help you and the other parent of your child (or
children) to fill out a child support guideline worksheet.
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Guardian Ad Litem
41. What is a Guardian Ad Litem (GAL)?
A guardian ad litem, often referred to as a GAL, is an individual the court
appoints, either upon motion of a party or when the court determines a GAL
is necessary. The court will consider the appointment of a GAL if the
parties are unable to resolve a parenting or child related dispute. In such
event, the court appoints a GAL to ensure the child’s best interests are
represented during the course of the parties’ dispute. The GAL’s role is
different from that of an Attorney for a Minor Child (AMC). The GAL
represents the child’s best interests while the AMC represents the child’s
legal interests and supports the child’s best interests.
42. Who can be a GAL?
Only an individual who has completed the comprehensive training program required by Practice Book
Section 25-62, which is sponsored by the Judicial Branch, is eligible to be
a GAL.
43. What is the role of a GAL?
In cases where the parties are unable to agree on a parenting plan or there
is a child related dispute, the court may order a GAL to independently
represent the best interests of the child. The GAL does not represent the
mother, father or any other party in the case. The GAL only represents the
best interests of the child. The GAL does not make decisions for the court.
The court may need the GAL to perform certain functions. Some of the
functions could be:
- Investigate facts
- Interview the parties and the child
- Review files and records
- Talk to teachers, coaches, and others
- Speak with medical professionals
- Participate in court hearings
- Make recommendations to the court
- Encourage settlement
of disputes. The court may also need the GAL to perform other functions not
listed above to make a determination as to the best interests of the child.
The court will specify the role of the GAL in each case.
44. What can a parent in a family court matter expect from a GAL?
A parent should expect a GAL to be fair and impartial. The GAL is expected
to avoid any conflict of interest, be courteous and professional and act in
good faith. The GAL is expected to complete his or her duties in a timely
fashion and to maintain accurate records pertaining to both the duties
performed and the fees he or she is owed for performing those duties.
45. Who pays the GAL?
The parties to the case pay the fees for the GAL. Each party is required to
submit a financial affidavit to the court. The court will consider each
party’s financial situation and order how the payment is to be split between
them. In some cases, the parties may qualify for the appointment of a GAL
that is paid for by the state. The parties must submit their financial
affidavits to the court for review. If the parties meet the eligibility
requirements of the Division of Public Defender Services, the court will
appoint a GAL who is paid for by the state. Is there a sliding scale fee
option for parents with limited resources?
46. Is there a sliding scale fee option for parents with limited resources?
On October 1, 2014, the following sliding fee
scale took effect for counsel or a guardian ad litem appointed in a family
relations matter pursuant to Public Act 14-3.
DIVISION OF PUBLIC DEFENDER SERVICES FEE SCALE
Parents’ Combined Gross Income
|
Appointed AMC/GAL Hourly Rate
|
$00.00 - $39,062.00 |
State paid* |
* Currently the state pays the GAL/AMC a flat fee of $500, plus $50/hour for
hourly billing events approved by the Division of Public Defender
Services contract.
JUDICIAL BRANCH SLIDING FEE SCALE
Parents’ Combined Gross Income*
|
Appointed AMC/GAL Hourly Rate
|
$39,062.01 - $50,000.00
|
$75/hr - $100/hr |
$50,000.01 - $70,000.00
|
$100/hr - $150/hr |
$70,000.01 - $100,000.00
|
$150/hr - $225/hr |
* The sliding fee scale is based upon the combined gross income of the parents and
assumes one child. The scale is only applicable to cases where the combined
gross income of the parents is $100,000 or less.
In addition to considering the parents’ gross income, the court may also
consider other factors to determine whether application of the scale is
appropriate and at what level, including:
- All other information set forth on the parents’ financial affidavits;
- Total number of dependent children;
- The hourly rate charged by the parties’ own lawyers;
- The complexity of the issues before the court;
- The gross income and other information on the financial affidavit of any intervening party or third party applicant;
- Source(s) of additional household income, including funding source for current litigation.
47. Can a GAL be removed from a case?
If a party believes that a GAL has acted improperly in a family case, he or she can file a
motion to ask the court to remove the GAL from the case. After the motion is
filed, the court may refer the motion to the Family Services Unit of the
court. If the parties involved in the case cannot resolve the motion
themselves, the court will have a hearing and decide the motion.
48. Is there a list of individuals qualified to be appointed as a Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) in a family case?
The following is the list of individuals who have completed the training
required by Practice Book Sections 25-62 & 25-62A and who are available to
accept appointments from the court. Only a lawyer can be appointed as an
Attorney for a Minor Child. The list displays an "X" in each court location
for which the individual will take appointments. The "X" will be accompanied
by an asterisk (*) in each court location for which the individual has been
approved by, and is under contract with, the Division of Public Defender
Services (DPDS) for payment by the state where a Judge or Family Support
Magistrate orders state payment because of the financial circumstances of
the parties. In the column entitled "Languages" you will find inserted any
language(s) in which the individual reported having proficiency. "Titles"
are provided by the listed individuals.
49. Is there a Code of Conduct for GALs?
Yes, there is a Code of Conduct for
Attorney for the Minor Child and Guardian ad Litem, which is available
on this website.
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Attorney for the Minor Child
50. What is an Attorney for a Minor Child (AMC)?
An attorney for a minor child, often referred
to as an AMC and also called Counsel for the Minor Child is an individual
the court appoints, either upon motion of a party or when the court
determines an AMC is necessary to advocate for the best interests of the
child. The court will consider the appointment of an AMC if the parties are
unable to resolve a parenting or child related dispute. The AMC’s role is
different from that of a guardian ad litem (GAL). The AMC represents the
child’s legal interests and supports the child’s best interests, while the
GAL represents only the child’s best interests.
51. Who can be an AMC?
Only an attorney who has completed the
comprehensive training program required by Practice Book Section 25-62,
which is sponsored by the Judicial Branch, is eligible to be an AMC. The AMC
cannot be the same attorney that is representing either of the parents.
52. What is the role of an AMC?
In cases where the parties are unable to agree on a parenting plan or there is
a child related dispute, the court may appoint an AMC to be the child’s
attorney. The court will specify the role of the AMC in each case. Just as
the parents may have their own attorneys advocating on their behalf, the AMC
represents the child’s wishes and advocates on the child’s behalf. The AMC
can speak in court on all matters pertaining to the interests of the child
including custody, care, support, education and visitation. The AMC can also
file motions and call witnesses on behalf of the child in court. Unlike a
GAL, an AMC does not testify as a witness, but participates fully as a
lawyer in the case.
53. What can a parent in a family court matter expect from an AMC?
The AMC is expected to avoid any conflict of interest, be courteous and
professional and act in good faith. An AMC is bound by the Rules of
Professional Conduct governing attorneys in Connecticut. The client,
however, is not either of the parents, but the child. The AMC’s duty is to
the child, and the parents should not expect the AMC to advocate or argue on
their behalf.
54. Who pays the AMC?
The parties to the case pay the fees for
the AMC. Each party is required to submit a financial affidavit to the
court. The court will consider each party’s financial situation and order
how such payment is to be split between them. In some cases, the parties may
qualify for the appointment of an AMC that is paid for by the state. The
parties must submit their financial affidavits to the court for review. If
the parties meet the eligibility requirements of the Division of Public
Defender Services, the court will appoint an AMC who is paid for by the
state.
55. Can an AMC be removed from a case?
If a party believes that an AMC has
acted improperly in a family case, he or she can file a motion to ask the
court to remove the AMC from the case. After the motion is filed, the court
may refer the motion to the Family Services Unit of the court. If the
parties involved in the case cannot resolve the motion themselves, the court
will have a hearing and decide the motion.
56. Is there a list of individuals qualified to be appointed as an Attorney
for a Minor Child (AMC) in a family case?
The following is the list of individuals who have completed the training
required by Practice Book Sections 25-62 & 25-62A and who are available to
accept appointments from the court. Only a lawyer can be appointed as an
Attorney for a Minor Child. The list displays an "X" in each court location
for which the individual will take appointments. The "X" will be accompanied
by an asterisk (*) in each court location for which the individual has been
approved by, and is under contract with, the Division of Public Defender
Services (DPDS) for payment by the state where a Judge or Family Support
Magistrate orders state payment because of the financial circumstances of
the parties. In the column entitled "Languages" you will find inserted any
language(s) in which the individual reported having proficiency. "Titles"
are provided by the listed individuals.
57. Is there a Code of Conduct for AMC’s?
Yes, there is a Code of Conduct for Attorney for the Minor Child and Guardian ad Litem, which is
available on this website.
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