Connecticut Family and Divorce Lawyers

Family and Divorce Law

1177 Summer St suite 403, Stamford, CT 06905, USA

Admitted to practice since 2006, Ami Jayne has focused solely within the field of Family Law. She is proud to have expanded the definition of abuse within the coercive control element in Connecticut Jurisprudence under Jennifer’s Law as well as litigated a seminal case surrounding financial contributions to college by parents. Joining practice with Kevin in 2007, attaining the partner role in 2021, Ami Jayne developed the empathy and skill to listen and advocate most effectively for her clients. Having the distinction of being appointed by the Court and sharpening trial advocacy skills in litigation, Ami Jayne is proud of her client-tailored legal approach to the client’s particular needs with a specific focus on vigorous defense of clients when they have otherwise been traditionally marginalized or abused within a domestic relationship. She perceives her negotiation and litigation skills can assist in determining whether alternate dispute resolution is prudent. Experience in a courtroom can best steer one towards settlement. As a law student, Ami Jayne enjoyed a position on the Roger Williams University School of Law Honor Board as well as having the privilege of interning for now United States Senator Sheldon Whitehouse while he held position of Rhode Island Attorney General. Ami Jayne enjoyed her roles on the Connecticut Bar Association, Family Law Section, “Covid-19 Response Council” as well as being an active member with the Fairfield County Bar Association and distinguished among “Lawyers of Distinction,” “10 Best Attorneys,” “Lawyer of Distinction,” and “Top 10 Female Attorney.”

Family and Divorce Law

8 Wright St 2nd floor, Westport, CT 06880, USA

BRUCE A. FOODMAN is a partner in the Law Offices of Lerner, Guarino & Foodman, LLC. Attorney Foodman represents clients in all areas of family law, including divorce, child custody, property division, alimony, child support, relocation, and various post judgment issues. With more than 30 years of experience, he has earned a reputation for competence, compassion, and fierce client advocacy, while being recognized by his peers within the family law field for excellence. Attorney Foodman is persistent and detailed oriented and has negotiated, arbitrated, litigated, and mediated family law issues throughout the State of Connecticut. Attorney Foodman is a proponent of structured alternative dispute resolution involving the use of specialized family law mediators and arbitrators. Attorney Foodman serves as a court appointed Special Master for the Judicial Districts of Stamford and Danbury.

Family and Divorce Law

1238 Post Rd, Fairfield, CT 06824, USA

Mr. Sinclair represents clients in family matters, including divorces, custody petitions and post judgment actions. Much of Attorney Sinclair’s work has involved reviewing small business ownership interests and their potential value in property settlement or support orders. Attorney Sinclair also represents clients in matter before the Probate Court. In addition to estate administration, Attorney Sinclair has experience representing clients in conservatorship and guardianship matters. Attorney Sinclair is a member of the American Bar Association, Connecticut Bar Association, Fairfield County Bar Association, and Greater Bridgeport Bar Association. Prior to returning to law school Mr. Sinclair was part of the business advisory and audit practice of Arthur Andersen and was the Vice President and Controller of a small professional firm. Mr. Sinclair earned a Bachelor of Arts from Colgate University, a Master of Science in Professional Accounting from the University of Hartford, and a Juris Doctor from Quinnipiac University School of Law. While at Quinnipiac University, Attorney Sinclair was a member of the Moot Court Honor Society, where he competed and coached in family law competitions. Attorney Sinclair was a member of the Phi Delta Phi legal fraternity and offered his time to the community preparing tax returns in connection with the VITA program. Mr. Sinclair volunteers his time at the legal advice clinic sponsored by the Domestic Violence Crisis Center in Stamford, Connecticut. Attorney Sinclair is active in his church, giving his time to mission projects, committee membership and music ministry.

Family and Divorce Law

55 Greens Farms Road, Westport, CT 06880

I am often asked: “Why are you a divorce lawyer?” The answer – I get great satisfaction from seeing how well my clients are doing at the end of their case versus when we first met. Facilitating that transition and growth, while challenging, is the most gratifying part of my job. The follow-up question is often: “What prepared you most to be a Family Law attorney?” Ironically, the answer lies not in court but rather on a court – a tennis court! Besides being a highly competitive tennis player throughout my life, I worked in various capacities as a tennis pro and in clay court maintenance. Little did I know that over thirty-five years ago, as a teenager and through college, spending my spring and summer days waking up at 5:00 a.m., rolling and sweeping har-tru tennis courts, carrying 50-pound bags of calcium chloride and clay, providing instruction to adults and children, and training for upcoming tournaments, that I would actually be learning how to become a Family Law attorney. There are many similarities between a Family Law attorney and a competitive tennis player. First, preparation is key. Just as I endlessly practiced to hone and analyze every last minute detail of my strokes, it is necessary as a Family Law attorney to understand the details regarding my client’s wishes and desires, his/her unique situation, his/her spouse’s personality, and attitude, the strengths and weaknesses in positions, and the ramifications of the foregoing in light of the law. Second, being able to change strategies if your initial plan is faltering is the key to achieving a most favorable outcome. While preparing and counseling my client, I know that the other side is strategizing and preparing to take advantage of and expose weaknesses in my case. Accordingly, I prepare as though I represent the other side. Since I represent all different types of people, I have a tremendous advantage – as I often represent the “other side,” which provides me with a unique perspective, allowing me to effectively counsel my client best on how to proceed. Put simply, no one will outwork or outlast me. Understanding conditions that impact a tennis match, such as weather, wind, and outside distractions, and managing to stay focused when there are other interruptions is crucial. This is why my tennis coach always made us practice in the most difficult of conditions, including on a court that was located off a busy street that shared a fence with a pool filled with children and an outdoor bar and grill. I had to stay focused and block out distractions, especially during swim meets and happy hour. Similarly, the conditions in a courtroom can change at a moment’s notice. Notably, you often are not assigned a judge until the day of your trial. Further, there are always disruptions. People constantly coming in and out of the courtroom. Ten minutes recesses become forty minutes. Witnesses are taken out of order. Exhibits are not admitted into evidence. To be effective, you must adjust and stay disciplined, all while keeping the judge focused. Having been involved in some of the most challenging and notable cases in Connecticut, I have learned how important it is to consult with other professionals to assist in the process. I have worked successfully with many therapists, accountants, business valuators, and attorneys in other practice areas (tax, real estate, criminal, and trust and estates) when it becomes necessary. As a Past-President of the Fairfield County Bar Association, I have had the opportunity to get to know the leading lawyers in each practice area. Having significant experience as a trial lawyer has strengthened my belief that every divorce case should be settled. What people do not realize is that less than 5% of divorce cases go to trial. Of course, it is far more interesting to hear about the gory and gossipy details of a contested divorce in a social setting. However, that is, to great relief, the exception. The only time a case should go to trial is if the offer on the table from the other side represents something beyond the worst-case scenario. This is why it is absolutely necessary to honestly counsel my clients and cultivate their expectations based on my over twenty-five years of experience. I believe in being direct and honest with my clients. While I will always be supportive, I am not a cheerleader. Most importantly, there is one major difference between a divorce court and a tennis court. If you are successful, you win your tennis match. There is no winning in divorce – at least not on the day of the divorce. You can judge how well you did in your divorce by looking at where you are personally, professionally, and most importantly, if relevant, how well your children are doing one to two years after the divorce is finalized. Is everyone adjusting well to the new schedule? Are you settled professionally? Have you rediscovered who you were before your marriage deteriorated? This all leads back to the most gratifying part of my job, hearing from clients a couple of years after the divorce where they share the success they have had in moving on – thanking my team and me for being there during one of the darkest, insecure and difficult periods in their lives.

Family and Divorce Law

55 Greens Farms Road, Westport, CT 06880

I am often asked, “Why are you a divorce lawyer?” The answer – I get great satisfaction from seeing how well my clients are doing at the end of their case versus when we first met. Facilitating that transition and growth, while challenging, is the most gratifying part of my job. The follow-up question is often: “What prepared you most to be a Family Law attorney?” Ironically, the answer lies not in court but rather on a court – a tennis court! Besides being a highly competitive tennis player throughout my life, I worked in various capacities as a tennis pro and in clay court maintenance. Little did I know that over thirty-five years ago, as a teenager and through college, spending my spring and summer days waking up at 5:00 a.m., rolling and sweeping har-tru tennis courts, carrying 50-pound bags of calcium chloride and clay, providing instruction to adults and children, and training for upcoming tournaments, that I would actually be learning how to become a Family Law attorney. There are many similarities between a Family Law attorney and a competitive tennis player. First, preparation is key. Just as I endlessly practiced to hone and analyze every last minute detail of my strokes, it is necessary as a Family Law attorney to understand the details regarding my client’s wishes and desires, his/her unique situation, his/her spouse’s personality, and attitude, the strengths and weaknesses in positions, and the ramifications of the foregoing in light of the law. Second, being able to change strategies if your initial plan is faltering is the key to achieving a most favorable outcome. While preparing and counseling my client, I know that the other side is strategizing and preparing to take advantage of and expose weaknesses in my case. Accordingly, I prepare as though I represent the other side. Since I represent all different types of people, I have a tremendous advantage – as I often represent the “other side,” which provides me with a unique perspective, allowing me to effectively counsel my client best on how to proceed. Put simply, no one will outwork or outlast me.

Family and Divorce Law

5 Imperial Ave, Westport, CT 06880, USA

Eva has extensive experience practicing all areas of family law, including divorce litigation, post-judgment modifications and enforcement actions, and prenuptial/postnuptial contract drafting. Eva started her career in a small civil law firm in Fairfield County in 2008, when she first began handling matrimonial matters. During her nearly fifteen years of legal experience since then, she has been personally involved in all aspects of representation from client intake through trial, working directly with clients for the entirety of their cases. Eva takes a customized approach to each case in order to determine a strategy that would be best for each specific client’s needs and goals. Eva has litigated, negotiated, and mediated family law cases, often working with high net worth individuals and families. Her background also includes estate planning and employment contract negotiation and litigation. Her years of experience working with high net worth families in the estate planning context, as well as representing high-level executives in the employment context, gives her a unique understanding of complex assets and compensation structures that other family law attorneys often lack. This enables Eva to advocate for clients in a manner that best protects their assets. Understanding that financial consequences are not the only considerations individuals face during litigation, Eva also works with clients to resolve custodial issues involving minor children in order to find a solution that works best for each family. She has significant experience working with families in crisis and handling heavily litigated matrimonial matters. Her experience includes guardian ad litem work at the Children’s Law Center of Connecticut, where attorneys represented minors in highly contentious custody disputes, often in high profile family court and criminal court matters. She worked on cases ranging from complex relocation proceedings to emergency removal proceedings, many of which involved sensitive issues such as child abuse, neglect, and termination of parental rights. She regularly partnered with the social work department, making home visits to meet with families in order to prepare evaluations and recommendations to the Court. Her public service work also includes volunteering at Sanctuary for Families in New York City, where she represented victims of domestic violence in divorce proceedings. Eva was honored with the Archibald R. Murray Service Award summa cum laude from Fordham University School of Law in recognition of her dedication of over 1,500 hours of pro bono work to victims of domestic violence and families in crisis. Eva also makes time to volunteer in her community. She has mentored young women through the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, as well as through her alma maters, Boston College and Lauralton Hall Academy.

Family and Divorce Law

1100 Summer St #300, Stamford, CT 06905, USA

Gary I. Cohen is a family and matrimonial lawyer in Stamford, Connecticut, with the Law Offices of Gary I. Cohen, P.C. His work includes representing individuals in divorce litigation, and his family-law practice encompasses both trial and appellate courts. The firm lists legal separation, property division and alimony among its services, as well as child support, custody and visitation matters. Litigation is not the only subject Cohen addresses in the firm’s account of his work. He describes settlement as preferable to trial when both parties act from informed, rational self-interest. In that same account, he speaks of representing people whose family difficulties involve financial, emotional and psychological concerns alongside legal ones. Cohen earned his undergraduate degree at Yale and his Juris Doctor at the University of Virginia. At Virginia, he edited articles for the Virginia Law Review and was elected to the Order of the Coif. His firm biography describes a Connecticut legal career of more than 50 years, most of it devoted to family and matrimonial matters. His professional association work includes helping establish the American College of Family Trial Lawyers. He has served as president of the Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association and of the Connecticut chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. The biography also identifies him as a Charter Fellow of the International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. His firm’s Stamford office is on Summer Street, in Suite 300 at number 1100.

Family and Divorce Law

5 North Main Street, Suite 5, Wallingford, CT 06492

Attorney Allen has extensive litigation experience including arbitrating, mediating, and trying family disputes. His family practice includes everything from amicable mediated property-only divorces to complex litigated divorce and custody matters. His real estate practice concentrates on residential real estate closings. Our firm has relationships with a number of local real estate agents and lenders. Attorney Allen is licensed to practice in all Connecticut State and Federal courts. Attorney Allen has been recently selected by the New Haven Register for inclusion in their list of the Best in New Haven series. He has also been recognized by the National Academy of Personal Injury Attorneys, Inc. as one of the top 10 personal injury attorneys under age 40 in Connecticut. Attorney Allen has consistently been selected for inclusion on the Connecticut Super Lawyers List since 2010 and was selected for inclusion on the Connecticut and New England Super Lawyer List in 2013 and 2014. See selection process details here. He was selected for the Connecticut Law Tribune's 2012 Class of New Leaders in the Law and as a member of the National Trial Lawyers Top 40 under 40 in 2012, making him one of only 40 trial lawyers from the State of Connecticut to be selected for this group of accomplished young trial lawyers. Attorney Allen was also selected for inclusion as a Member of the Claims & Litigation Management Alliance in 2012.

Family and Divorce Law

5 Imperial Ave, Westport, CT 06880, USA

Prior to joining Rutkin Oldham Contratto LLC, India gained experience working in a fast-paced litigation firm representing health care providers in the defense of medical malpractice matters. During that time, she handled all aspects of pre-trial litigation, including case development, legal research, fact investigation and motion support. India was largely responsible for discovery oversight, including compliance management and review. She compiled relevant discovery and drafted various discovery motions, including demands and objections relative to discovery requests. India’s interest and passion for family law arose out of her experience working at a law firm in South Carolina during her undergraduate years. She helped the partners prepare for mediation and negotiations and was responsible for drafting and reviewing separation agreements. It was during this experience that India realized the importance of individualized, quality representation in family law matters. Having spent a great deal of time in law school studying corporate law and securities as well as her experience drafting chapters of a corporate finance textbook, India holds a unique knowledge and interest in the financial aspect of high net worth divorce. India graduated cum laude from Coastal Carolina University. There, she served as a member of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity and focused her studies on History and Political Science. India received her Juris Doctor from New York Law School, graduating cum laude. During her time in law school, India was a John Marshall Harlan Scholar and a member of the Dean’s Leadership Council. Additionally, she gained invaluable research and writing skills while serving as a Staff Editor of the New York Law School Law Review. India has spent a significant amount of time volunteering with Leaps of Faith, a non-profit organization in her hometown of Newtown, CT. The program is focused on providing adaptive waterski instructions to children with physical disabilities. Through the program, India had an opportunity to connect with children of all ages and provide a safe and memorable experience.

Family and Divorce Law

5 Imperial Ave, Westport, CT 06880, USA

Justin is an experienced family law practitioner and trial attorney. His matrimonial practice focuses on the representation of high-net-worth individuals, professionals, executives, and owners of closed corporations. Justin represents clients in all manner of family law proceedings, including custody disputes, alimony and support determinations, and the distribution of complex marital estates. Prior to joining Rutkin Oldham Contratto LLC, Justin practiced with well-regarded matrimonial firms in New York and Northern Virginia, where he represented clients in both routine and complex family law matters. Justin began his legal career with the Legal Aid Society of New York, where he initially served as a trial attorney with the Juvenile Rights Practice in Brooklyn, New York, and later served as a trial attorney with Criminal Defense Practice in Manhattan. While at Legal Aid, Justin represented children in abuse and neglect cases, child custody disputes, and juvenile delinquency proceedings; and represented adults charged with all manner of crimes in Manhattan Criminal and Supreme Courts. Justin was elected by his peers to the position of Vice-President of the Association of Legal Aid Attorneys, a testament to his advocacy. A pragmatic practitioner, Justin recognizes that his clients are often best served by initially attempting to reach a negotiated settlement in their matter, which can allow for greater flexibility and discretion in the resolution of a client’s case. When settlement is impracticable, Justin is equally adept at litigating matters to conclusion. Justin received his B.A. in History from the University of Minnesota, and his J.D. from Washington University School of Law in St. Louis. He is licensed to practice in Connecticut, New York and Virginia.

Family and Divorce Law

285 Riverside Avenue, Suite 450, Westport, CT 06880

LAURA R. SHATTUCK is a partner and co-founder of PARRINO|SHATTUCK, PC. Her practice is dedicated to representing clients in all aspects of family law, including divorce, alimony, child support, child custody, property division, post-judgment modification, and post-judgment contempt. Shattuck is an active litigator and has significant experience with large, sophisticated cases. She is a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent-rated attorney. Shattuck is admitted to practice in Connecticut; the U.S. District Court, District of Connecticut; and the U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York. She serves as a special master for family matters in the Judicial District of Fairfield at Bridgeport and Judicial District of Stamford/Norwalk at Stamford. She is also a member of the American, Connecticut, and Fairfield County bar associations. Shattuck is an active volunteer. She participates in the Connecticut Judicial Branch Stamford Family Volunteer Attorney Program, the Spire School Advisory Board, has served on the board of the March of Dimes Fairfield County Division, and is a member and former co-chair of the Clark University Parent Council. In 1991, Shattuck earned a bachelor’s degree from Loyola University. In 1999, she received her juris doctor degree from the Quinnipiac University School of Law, cum laude, and was a recipient of a Distinguished Academic Achievement Award, a Service to Community Award, and a merit-based scholarship. Shattuck also is a graduate of the ABA-NITA Family Law Trial Advocacy Institute.

Family and Divorce Law

285 Riverside Ave, Westport, CT 06880, USA

LAURA R. SHATTUCK is a partner and co-founder of PARRINO|SHATTUCK, PC. She is an active litigator and has handled many sophisticated cases. A Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent-rated attorney, her practice includes all areas of family law, such as divorce, property division, alimony, child custody, child support, post-judgment contempt, and post-judgment modification. She is admitted to practice in Connecticut; the U.S. District Court, District of Connecticut; and the U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York. Shattuck is a member of the American, Connecticut, and Fairfield County bar associations. Additionally, she serves as a special master for family matters in the Judicial District of Fairfield at Bridgeport and Judicial District of Stamford/Norwalk at Stamford. She is a graduate of the ABA-NITA Family Law Trial Advocacy Institute as well. Shattuck is an active volunteer and previously served on the board of the March of Dimes Fairfield County Division. She is also a participant in the Connecticut Judicial Branch Stamford Family Volunteer Attorney Program. In 1991, Shattuck received a bachelor’s degree from Loyola University. She received her juris doctor degree from the Quinnipiac University School of Law, cum laude, in 1999, and was also a recipient of a merit-based scholarship, a Service to Community Award, and a Distinguished Academic Achievement Award.

Family and Divorce Law

419 Main St, Hartford, CT 06103, USA

Meghan is Managing Co-Partner of Freed Marcroft, a Connecticut law firm that devotes its practice exclusively to divorce and family law. Meghan is particularly experienced with alternative dispute resolution, including arbitration and mediation, is a graduate of Harvard Law School’s Program on Negotiation, and has supplemented her formal legal education with advanced training in mediation. She is a member of the Connecticut Council for Non-Adversarial Divorce.

Family and Divorce Law

10 Grand St, Hartford, CT 06106, USA

Melissa Muirhead Charpentier has a B.A. from the University of Connecticut, a Master's degree in Counseling from Springfield College and her J.D. from Western New England College School of Law. Attorney Charpentier has practiced family law since 2004. She has been with the Mester Law Group, LLC for over 19 years and her practice is primarily limited to divorce and custody. Prior to attending law school, she was employed as a social worker at Catholic Charities for more than ten years. She supervised adoption services for the Archdiocese of Hartford while attending law school. She is a member of the Connecticut Bar and the Hartford County bar association. Attorney Charpentier is a member of the Family Law Sections of both the Connecticut and Hartford County bar associations. She accepts Guardian ad Litem appointments in criminal and family matters and completed the GAL/AMC training held by the CT Commission on Child Protection. Attorney Charpentier is also trained in mediation and collaborative divorce. She is a member of the Collaborative Divorce Lawyer Association of Greater Hartford. Attorney Charpentier resides in Portland with her husband and two sons. She currently involved with the Portland High School Side Liners, Project Graduation and is on the Stewardship board of the First Congregational Church of Portland. Attorney Charpentier is dedicated to fundraising for the National Kidney Foundation.

Family and Divorce Law

150 W Main St, Branford, CT 06405

Michael G. Beebe is an attorney in Branford, Connecticut, where his registered office is the Law Office of Michael G. Beebe on West Main Street. Connecticut’s attorney registry records his admission on May 10, 1985, and lists his status as active. A dispute over children’s orthodontic bills brought Beebe before the Connecticut Appellate Court in Doyle v. Doyle. He represented Joseph M. Doyle, the plaintiff and appellee, in the appeal decided in May 2014. The children’s mother had sought to hold their father in contempt for failing to pay 80 percent of the orthodontic costs for two of their children. Their divorce and separation agreement dated to June 23, 2010. At issue on appeal were the denial of her contempt motion and motion to reargue, along with whether the court should have relied on child support guidelines rather than contract interpretation. The appellate court affirmed the trial court’s judgment in an opinion officially released May 20, 2014. The Branford office’s website describes its service area as the Connecticut Shore Line and Greater New Haven. Its listed services span family law, personal injury, criminal law, estate planning and probate. For estate-related matters, the firm describes preparing wills, arranging powers of attorney and assisting with estate disputes. Guardianship and living wills also appear among the services described by the office.

Family and Divorce Law

97 Oak St, Hartford, CT 06106, USA

Patricia A. O’Neil has been practicing law in CT since 1985. With more than 33 years of legal experience, she has helped hundreds of people with family law issues including divorce, custody, visitation, child support, property settlements, alimony, etc. Skillful and effective in the courtroom, she is responsive and available to her clients. If an issue cannot be settled amicably, Patricia is always fully prepared to fight for her clients in court. Attorney O’Neil is a member of the American Bar Association, the CT Bar Association, the American Trial Lawyers Association, the CT Trial Lawyers Association, and the Hartford County Bar Association. Attorney O'Neil graduated from Catholic University in 1982 with a BA in political science and in 1985 from Catholic University’s Columbus School of Law with her juris doctor degree. She volunteers her time as a Special Master in the Middletown Family Court and with Statewide Legal Services and CT Women's & Legal Fund pro bono matters.

Family and Divorce Law

285 Riverside Ave, Suite 450, Westport, CT 06880

RANDI R. NELSON is an associate attorney at PARRINO|SHATTUCK, PC. She is admitted to practice in Connecticut. Since 2011, she has worked strictly on matrimonial litigation. She represents clients in all facets of family law, such as divorce, post-judgment contempt, post-judgment modification, alimony, property division, child custody, and child support. Nelson is a member of the American, Connecticut, Fairfield County, and Westport/Weston bar associations. She is also a special master for family matters in the Judicial District of Fairfield at Bridgeport and Judicial District of Stamford/Norwalk at Stamford. In 2007, Nelson earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Arlington, where she was a member of the Kappa Tau Alpha honor society. In 2010, she earned her juris doctor degree from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law at Yeshiva University. She was also a member of the Cardozo Journal of Law and Gender, as well as a recipient of a merit-based scholarship.

Family and Divorce Law

2 Union St, New London, CT 06320, USA

Attorney Robert G. Tukey is a Director of the firm. He is a graduate of Fairfield University and Western New England University School of Law. A native of Southeastern Connecticut, Attorney Tukey returned to the area to practice, primarily litigating marital and custody as well as personal injury matters. He currently resides in Niantic with his family. Attorney Tukey's professional memberships include the American Bar Association, the Connecticut Bar Association, the American Association for Justice, the Connecticut Trial Lawyers’ Association, and the Oliver Ellsworth American Inn of Court. Attorney Tukey was named to the Super Lawyers Connecticut and New England Rising Stars 2011 and 2012 lists. Each year, only 2.5% of attorneys in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine forty years old and under, or in practice for ten years or less, receive the Rising Stars honor. In 2016 Attorney Tukey received the National Academy of Family Law Attorney's 2016 Nationally Ranked Top Ten Attorney Award. Attorney Tukey has also focused on volunteering within his community. He is the President of the board and a coach for East Lyme Little League, and coaches basketball and soccer for East Lyme Parks and Recreation. Attorney Tukey has served as a member of the board of the Children's Museum of Southeastern Connecticut, the New London City Center District, and as Past President of the ARC of New London County. He is a member of the finance committee and volunteers as a confirmation mentor at the Niantic Community Church.

Family and Divorce Law

5 Imperial Ave, Westport, CT 06880, USA

Sally is consistently recognized as one of the top matrimonial attorneys in Connecticut in a variety of peer review surveys. Sally represents clients in the negotiation and litigation of sophisticated, complex and high-asset family law matters. Her practice includes all areas of family law, including divorce, alimony, child support, and property division. She often analyzes complex financial holdings, closely held businesses, and compensation packages in order to achieve an equitable division of assets and income. Sally helps clients address the financial consequences of divorce while recognizing the psychological impact on those involved. In addition, Sally has extensive experience resolving, and litigating when necessary, challenging and emotionally charged child custody and relocation disputes. Her seminal advocacy in the case of Ireland v. Ireland redefined the rights of parents and children in relocation disputes. Sally has lectured on a variety of topics including division of stock options, distributing complex executive compensation packages in divorce, the impact of addiction in custody battles, and the validity of prenuptial agreements in a world where most couples cohabit before marriage. She is also co-author of Connecticut Family Law and Practice, Volumes 7, 8 and 8A, a handbook for lawyers and judges on domestic relations matters in Connecticut. Prior to practicing law, Sally worked for more than a decade as a psychologist in private practice and as a school psychologist in various Connecticut schools. This experience early in her career affords her certain insights and approaches that differ from those of other matrimonial lawyers. Sally has been practicing family law with Arnold Rutkin since 1994. From 1988-1994, she practiced at the law firm of Day, Berry and Howard in Stamford, now known as Day Pitney. The practice of law is in Sally’s blood. Her grandfather was a judge, her father was a lawyer in a major New York firm, and one of her sisters, her brother and her daughter are lawyers. Sally is a private pilot, licensed since 1984. She has two grown children and five grandchildren.

Family and Divorce Law

5 Imperial Ave, Westport, CT 06880, USA

Sally is consistently recognized as one of the top matrimonial attorneys in Connecticut in a variety of peer review surveys. Sally represents clients in the negotiation and litigation of sophisticated, complex and high-asset family law matters. Her practice includes all areas of family law, including divorce, alimony, child support, and property division. She often analyzes complex financial holdings, closely held businesses, and compensation packages in order to achieve an equitable division of assets and income. Sally helps clients address the financial consequences of divorce while recognizing the psychological impact on those involved. In addition, Sally has extensive experience resolving, and litigating when necessary, challenging and emotionally charged child custody and relocation disputes. Her seminal advocacy in the case of Ireland v. Ireland redefined the rights of parents and children in relocation disputes. Sally has lectured on a variety of topics including division of stock options, distributing complex executive compensation packages in divorce, the impact of addiction in custody battles, and the validity of prenuptial agreements in a world where most couples cohabit before marriage. She is also co-author of Connecticut Family Law and Practice, Volumes 7, 8 and 8A, a handbook for lawyers and judges on domestic relations matters in Connecticut. Prior to practicing law, Sally worked for more than a decade as a psychologist in private practice and as a school psychologist in various Connecticut schools. This experience early in her career affords her certain insights and approaches that differ from those of other matrimonial lawyers. Sally has been practicing family law with Arnold Rutkin since 1994. From 1988-1994, she practiced at the law firm of Day, Berry and Howard in Stamford, now known as Day Pitney. The practice of law is in Sally’s blood. Her grandfather was a judge, her father was a lawyer in a major New York firm, and one of her sisters, her brother and her daughter are lawyers. Sally is a private pilot, licensed since 1984. She has two grown children and five grandchildren.

Family and Divorce Law

285 Riverside Ave, Suite 450, Westport, CT 06880

THOMAS P. PARRINO is a partner and co-founder of PARRINO|SHATTUCK, PC. Considered a top attorney in his field, he covers all areas of family law in his practice, including divorce, property division, child support, child custody, and alimony. He has handled some of the most complicated and high-asset family law litigation in Connecticut during his more than 25 years of practicing family law. Parrino is a dynamic negotiator and litigator, and was named “Lawyer of the Year” by Best Lawyers based on peer review in 2013. Parrino is admitted to practice in the State of Connecticut and the U.S. District Court, District of Connecticut. He is a fellow and past president of the Connecticut Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. He chairs the chapter’s Rules (O’Brien), Sunbury, and Arbitration committees; serves on the Amicus Committee; and formerly served on the Examining Committee. He is also a fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers. Parrino recently served as a delegate to the National Board of Governors of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. Previously, he was a member of the National Test Subcommittee and the chair of the National Admissions Committee. He is also a member of the American, Connecticut, and Fairfield County bar associations, as well as the Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association. In addition, Parrino is a member of Connecticut’s Family Law Commission, which comprises Connecticut superior court judges and select attorneys who have been invited to serve as members. The commission examines Connecticut’s Rules of Court, decisional law, and legislation that apply to family law, and develops proposed reforms and new initiatives designed to improve family law in the state. Parrino co-authored a chapter in the book, Family Law Jurisdictional Comparisons, Second Edition 2013, that was published by European Lawyer/Thomson Reuters. This book was born out of the increasing importance of international family law and the need for an authoritative guide to family law in key jurisdictions around the world. These jurisdictions consist of 37 countries and six U.S. states. Parrino addressed about topics that exemplify Connecticut family law, including pre- and post-nuptial agreements, surrogacy and adoption, property, finances/capital, child maintenance, financial relief after foreign divorce proceedings, and civil partnership/same-sex marriage, among others. Parrino has been a prominent lecturer on family law matters during his distinguished career. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Connecticut and his juris doctor degree from the University of Bridgeport, and attended law school at the Quinnipiac University School of Law.

Family and Divorce Law

59 Elm St, Suite 140, New Haven, CT 06510

Verna B. Lilburn is a family law attorney and principal of Lilburn Law in New Haven, Connecticut. Before becoming a lawyer, she taught fourth grade, then worked for ten years as a reading consultant in middle and high schools in the suburbs of New York City. She had completed graduate study in psychology at Columbia University and a sixth-year certificate in public school administration at Fairfield University before entering law school. Lilburn received her J.D. from Quinnipiac College School of Law. Connecticut admitted her to the bar in 1991; admission to the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut came in 1992. Teaching remained part of her career after she entered the profession. For eleven years, she taught in the University of New Haven’s legal studies program, with courses ranging from legal research and civil procedure to family law and education law. At Lilburn Law, which she founded, her work includes helping parents establish child support arrangements and guiding divorcing couples through mediation. She also handles relocation cases. Her attorney profile identifies domestic violence within family law as another part of her practice, rather than listing domestic violence as an unrestricted practice area. Her training includes a 1999 interdisciplinary certificate program for divorce lawyers at Quinnipiac College School of Law. In 2003, she took a forty-hour mediation certificate course through the Labor Education Center and Quinnipiac Dispute Resolution.

Family and Divorce Law

195 Church St., 9TH Floor, New Haven, CT 06510

Attorney Adelman has been representing clients in divorce, workers' compensation and personal injury matters for over a quarter of a century. His extensive trial practice and persistence is widely recognized by members of the bar. He is an accomplished trial attorney, licensed to practice in both state and federal courts. Attorney Adelman is a member of the American Trial Lawyer's Association, the Connecticut Trial Lawyers, the American Bar Association, the Connecticut Bar Association, the New Haven Bar Association and is a Life Fellow in the Connecticut Bar Foundation James W. Cooper Fellows Program, The Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association and the The American Trial Lawyers Association. He serves as a Special Master for the New Haven and Middletown Family Court and the Statewide Trial custody Docket located in Middletown. When he is not practicing law, he has served as a member on the Board of Directors of the Boys and Girls Club of New Haven for over ten (10) years and has served as President of the Board of Directors of the Boys and Girls Club of New Haven for five (5) consecutive years. Attorney Adelman has also served on the Statewide Grievance Panel and provided pro-bono work to clients for New Haven Legal Assistance. He currently serves as Vice-Chair to the Branford Democratic Town Committee and serves on the Board of Directors for the Community Dining Room. Attorney Adelman is currently embarking in graduate work at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University in Public Leadership and Ethics.

Family and Divorce Law

55 Greens Farms Rd, Suite 1, Westport, CT 06880

I grew up in Westchester County, New York, and attended college at Tulane University in New Orleans. It was there that I fell in love with the city’s culture, music, art, and of course, the food. It has been far too long since I graduated from college, but I make sure to visit New Orleans almost annually. I attended Temple Law School in Philadelphia, and after eating far too many cheesesteaks, I moved to New York City, where I had the opportunity to work with two highly respected and reputable trial lawyers. It was there that I was first exposed to the practice of Family Law, and when an opportunity to join Blank Rome, one of the largest and most prestigious family law firms in New York arose, I jumped on it. Ironically, I learned more about the law and being a family lawyer by eating lunch each day with the other attorneys than I did from any book. Their conversations about dealing with difficult cases, uncooperative lawyers, inconsistent judges, and the law as it evolved and changed were tremendous. The experience of working on some of the largest and most high-profile cases at the time provided me with an invaluable education. Having been admitted to practice law in Connecticut, I often attended court and worked on the firm’s Connecticut cases. After spending a great deal of time in Fairfield County, my wife and I decided to relocate from New York City to raise our family here. We have three children and our beloved dog and play an active role in our community. I have had the opportunity to coach my children’s baseball and soccer teams and even participate in a parent/child dance recital (no video available). Further, our youngest was born prematurely. As a result, we learned about Tiny Miracles – a charitable organization developed by parents of premature babies to offer comfort, support, guidance, and hope. After serving on the Board of Directors for years, I remain an active member of the Honorary Board. In my free time, I often play tennis, golf, go on hikes with our dog, and attend live music and sporting events. Today I am a Co-Founding Member and Partner at Broder Orland Murray & DeMattie LLC. I have been selected as an AV Preeminent™ attorney by Martindale-Hubbell®, the highest possible rating in legal ability and ethical standards, earned through a strenuous peer and judicial review procedure. I have been designated a “Top Lawyer” in three categories: Arbitration and Mediation, Family Law, and Matrimonial Law in Westport, Greenwich, New Canaan/Darien, and Fairfield Magazines. I have been selected to the 2013-2020 Connecticut Super Lawyers® List in Family Law. Each year, no more than 5% of the lawyers in the state are selected to receive this honor; Super Lawyers Selection Process. I was named among the Top 10 Attorneys in Family Law in Connecticut by The National Academy of Family Law Attorneys for 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017. NAFLA’s Board of Governors awards this distinction annually to the Top 10 Family Attorneys within the state. Criteria include client and peer reviews, length of time practicing family law, trial experience and case outcomes, published articles, and legal awards. In August 2019, I was selected for inclusion in Best Lawyers® 26th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. This distinction indicates legal expertise, as well as ethics and professionalism of the highest caliber. I served on the House of Delegates for the Connecticut Bar Association as a Representative for Westport, Weston, Wilton, and Norwalk (District 3) for three years. I am also a Past President of the Fairfield County Bar Association, having served on its Nominating Committee and as a Co-Chair of the Family Law Section for six years. Additionally, I am a Past President of the Fairfield County Bar Foundation, the Fairfield County Bar Association’s charitable arm. I have appeared as a legal commentator on NBC’s Today Show, News 12 Connecticut. I regularly speak to attorneys, accountants, financial professionals, therapists, and the general public on family and marital issues. I have lectured on numerous family law topics throughout my career to judges, other lawyers, accountants, financial professionals, therapists, physicians, and the general public. Further, I serve as a volunteer Special Master in the Family Divisions of the Stamford and Bridgeport Superior Courts and at the Regional Family Trial Docket for highly contested custody cases.