Family Law Update Part 2

Here are latest developments in family matters in Connecticut:

1.   The Branch has modified the process for self-represented litigants to gain e-file credentials. Essentially, there is no longer a need for the self-represented litigant to go to the courthouse to be credentialed. The instructions are posted here: https://jud.ct.gov/HomePDFs/Simplifying.pdf

2.   Parties in divorce and custody matters can complete the parenting education class online.  These programs are good for any county in Connecticut.  Here is the link to the Parenting Education Programs offered online that are accepted by the Connecticut Courts: https://jud.ct.gov/HomePDFs/parentingprogram.pdf

3.   At this time, no further direction is given with regards to rescheduling of short calendar hearings, Show Cause/Modification hearings and trials.

4.   Pretrials and status conferences continued to be issued where both parties have counsel.  No further direction is given for matters where one party appears pro se.

The judges are concerned with everything that is going on and in some judicial districts we may able to ask for a status conference, where one is not issued due to the stage in which a particular case may be in.  We can identify areas that we need the court’s assistance and ask for it in way of a status conference.

We believe that the e-filing registration for pro-se litigants and the ability to complete parenting education classes online are steps in the right direction in moving matters along, while the Judicial Branch is working diligently to assist us in this new way of doing business.

We hope this information is helpful and we will keep you posted as to any further updates.