Family Matters
General Information | Divorce |
Guardian Ad Litem | Attorney for Minor Child
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Connecticut's New Family Court Process

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 a party in a family case. How do I change the address that the Court has on file?
- What can I expect on the resolution plan date in my divorce, custody or visitation case?
Divorce
- I want to file for divorce but can't afford an attorney. Are there resources available?
- What does it cost to file papers with the court?
- 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)?
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?
- Can a GAL be removed from the 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?
- Can an AMC be removed from the list of individuals qualified to be appointed as an Attorney for the 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.
Please also note that self-represented Parties can enroll in E-Services to file family and cases and documents in e-filable
cases online (electronically) in the Superior Court. You can find more information about how to enroll by going to the E-Filing Manual for Civil, Family
and Housing Matters - Guide for Self-Represented Parties
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. To hire a lawyer for part of your case, see Limited Scope
Representation - Frequently Asked Questions.
Additionally, the Judicial Branch has Volunteer Attorney Programs.
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
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 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.
6. What can I expect on the resolution plan date in my divorce, custody or visitation case?
Click this link for information.
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Divorce
7. I want to file for divorce but can't afford an attorney. Are there resources available?
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.
The Connecticut Network for Legal Aid
also has a
number of self-help booklets for certain family matters that are on their web site.
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".
Additional information is also available at the
Law Libraries.
You may hire a lawyer for part of your case, see
Limited Scope Representation - Frequently Asked Questions.
Finally, the Judicial Branch has
Volunteer Attorney Programs.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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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Guardian Ad Litem
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. Can a GAL be removed from the list of individuals qualified to be appointed as a Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) in a family case?
Pursuant to Practice Book Section 25-61A(b)(3), the Standing Committee on Guardians Ad Litem and Attorneys for the Minor Child
in Family Matters has established a removal process by complaint by which an individual may be removed from the list. That process can be found here.
If a Complainant, as defined by the removal process document, believes that a GAL presents an imminent risk of significant harm to the
health, safety, or welfare of the public, they may file a Complaint with the Standing Committee. There is no fee to file a complaint. The Complaint
must be filed on form JD-FM-276, Complaint against Guardian Ad Litem/ Attorney for Minor Child.
NOTE: A GAL CANNOT be removed from an individual case through this process. See FAQ #7 in
this section for information on how to ask the court to remove a GAL from an individual case.
Questions regarding this process can be emailed to GALApprovedList@jud.ct.gov.
The Complaint form, and instructions on how to complete and file it, can be found here.
10. 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
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Can an AMC be removed from the list of individuals qualified to be appointed as an Attorney for the Minor Child (AMC) in a family case?
Pursuant to Practice Book Section 25-61A(b)(3), the Standing Committee on Guardians Ad Litem and Attorneys for the Minor Child in Family
Matters has established a removal process by complaint by which an individual may be removed from the list. That process can be found here.
If a Complainant, as defined by the removal process document, believes that an AMC presents an imminent risk of significant harm to the health,
safety, or welfare of the public, they may file a Complaint with the Standing Committee. There is no fee to file a complaint. The Complaint must be filed on
form JD-FM-276, Complaint against Guardian Ad Litem/ Attorney for Minor Child.
NOTE: An AMC CANNOT be removed from an individual case through this process. See FAQ #6 in this section
for information on how to ask the court to remove an AMC from an individual case.
Questions reguarding this process can be emailed to GALApprovedList@jud.ct.gov
The Complaint form, and instructions on how to complete and file it, can be found here.
9. 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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