Family Law Services

There is life after divorce. To get there, we help clients make reasoned decisions by informing them about the Connecticut divorce process and providing legal advice based on the facts unique to their family situation. We offer both full and limited representation. When representing a client fully, we file an appearance form with the appropriate court and then represent you in all phases of the case; this approach is recommended for clients who want an advocate at their side throughout the process and particularly when in court. Not everyone needs nor can afford full representation. Limited representation lets clients control costs by selecting which steps in the process they wish to have an attorney handle and which steps they can do on their own.

 Alternatives to traditional litigation, Mediation or Collaborative Divorce achieve divorce or custody case settlements by creating agreements in a private setting. When you commit to resolve your differences through Mediation or Collaborative Divorce you have far greater control over the process and the outcome. Mediation allows you and your spouse or co-parent to work together with a neutral attorney-mediator to negotiate an agreement; Collaborative Divorce is a process where each party has their own attorney, but all participants commit to negotiating a settlement without going to trial. We are skilled in both these areas.

Child Custody and Visitation matters can be some of the most challenging cases in the field of law.  There is significant anxiety and concern created when a family is facing the fundamental changes inherent in these cases. We understand that the uncertainty and complexity in restructuring a family creates stress and emotional discomfort for both parents and the children involved in these matters. As such, it is crucial to work with an attorney who possess the experience but also the temperament necessary to represent your (and your children’s) interests in a forthright, professional and compassionate manner.

In Connecticut, both parents are obligated to financially support their children. If there are no court orders for the other parent to provide it, we can help you to establish a child support order. If you receive child support and believe the parent paying support now earns more money than when the support was ordered, we can assist you in filing a request to increase child support. We can help if a parent has stopped paying support or refuses to contribute to daycare or medical expenses.  If you have an order to pay child support and have become unemployed due to an injury or layoff, we can assist you in filing a request to reduce your child support based on your reduced income.

Probate Matters Involving Children - Adoption and Temporary Guardianship

Are you concerned about the safety and well-being of a minor child and would like to become that child’s legal guardian? Are you currently caring for a child because that child’s parent is struggling with substance abuse or mental health issues? Are you interested in adopting a spouse’s or partner’s child? These sensitive family cases are usually handled by the regional probate court, which offers a more private setting for resolving these issues.  We have experience in all these areas and can help you apply to be a legal guardian or file for adoption.

 Is your child struggling in school?  Are you wondering if your child might be eligible to receive special education? Do you want to make changes to your child’s IEP - Individualized Education Program? At Brette Law, we can help you understand the laws that protect students with disabilities and help you to advocate for your child based on his or her unique needs. If you feel you are at an impasse with School Administration, we have significant experience representing clients in matters of appropriate services, accommodations, and placement and can help with legal proceedings that impact your child's right to Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)