|
|
The Children’s Law Center of Connecticut works to protect poor children involved in family court by providing high quality legal services and advocating for policies that advance the well being and best interests of children. Through its work representing children the organization seeks to achieve the most stable, safe, and beneficial arrangement for children who are caught in the middle of a family crisis such as a custody battle, divorce or other chronic family conflict.
The cases that the Children’s Law Center takes on are complex, long, and characterized as “high conflict”. Threatened by the possibility of losing their children, parents will fight hard and use every means available to them -- often to the detriment of the child. Children need to have a trained professional speak for their unique needs and interests. Eligibility for the Children’s Law Center’s free legal representation is based on indigence, as determined by the court, and an exacerbating issue such as child abuse, domestic violence, neglect, mental illness, substance abuse or chronic conflict. Children whom the organization represents are referred by family court.
When does a child need an attorney?
- when separated parents can't agree about the arrangements for the children such as where they should live or how much time they should spend with each parent.
- when there are questions and risk factors in the case such as parental substance abuse, domestic violence, mental illness, and child abuse or neglect.
- when the case has gone on a long time without agreements that work or when the level of conflict is having a negative effect on the children.
- when children have special needs and the parents cannot agree
What does the attorney do?
- The Court may appoint a lawyer to act as the child's attorney or Guardian ad litem (GAL). As ‘Attorney for the Minor Child’, it is the lawyer's job to represent to the Court the child's wishes. A GAL represents to the Court what is in the child's best interest. The younger the child, the more likely it is that the lawyer will be appointed as GAL
- The lawyer makes an independent investigation of the matter by meeting with the child and the child's parents. The lawyer will also gather additional information that may be helpful by reviewing court documents, speaking with teachers, doctors, extended family members or anyone else who may have relevant information.
- The lawyer participates in all legal proceedings and may take additional steps to ensure that the child has necessary services and to protect the child from further conflict and instability.
How does CLC become the attorney for the child?
A parent can file a motion as part of an existing case to ask the judge to appoint “counsel for the minor child”. The judge then decides whom to appoint, although it may be possible to ask for CLC specifically. The judge may also appoint a lawyer without a request from a parent if he or she feels it would be beneficial to protect the child's interests which may not be the same as the parents’.
How much does it cost?
For low-income families, there is no cost.
Our system to aid or protect children takes the form of a labyrinth of agencies, courts, and laws that are often overwhelming and unmanageable even for the most experienced advocate, and simply impenetrable for the average parent. The Children’s Lawline is designed to be an easily accessible legal resource. Law Line callers are trying to figure out problems like how to protect a child who may be a passenger in a car whose driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or if they can refuse visitation to a spouse who is not complying with court-ordered child support. Services like the Children’s Law Line are desperately needed by those who want to help a child but are at the mercy of a complex and inflexible legal system with severe budgetary constraints.
The program has several positive benefits for callers including:
- Calls are answered by a live-person trained in family law
- Common questions are answered immediately and more complex questions are referred to a staff attorney
- There is no income screening to access the program
- There is no limit for how many times a person can call
Who can call?
Anyone with a general question about the family law and children may call the Lawline.
Children, parents, grandparents, other relatives, foster parents, or professionals with a specific question about the law and children may call the Lawline. CLC does not discuss a specific case with a third party without the permission of the person with the problem.
What is the process like?
A trained staff member will take some confidential information about the caller and the problem or question. If the person cannot answer the question fully, an attorney will take the call immediately or call back within 24 hours. An attorney reviews all calls by the end of the day to make sure that the caller has received the best information available. Due to our high call demand at times there may be a wait time, please stay on the line and we will assist you in quickest time possible.
What can CLC help me with?
Understanding legal processes that involve children, such as custody, visitation, guardianship, and abuse and neglect. CLC can also refer callers to other agencies or resources for help with getting an attorney, special education advocacy, and school law.
Is it confidential?
Yes. Nothing regarding your call to the Lawline will be disclosed to a third party without your consent.
Can I call anonymously?
Sometimes. If you are calling for general information and referrals, such as the address of a court or what agency to call for special education information, we can give you that information without taking your personal information. However, if you are calling with specific questions regarding an ongoing dispute, we will need to take your name and the names of other parties involved. This information is confidential and will not be disclosed to anyone else.
How much does it cost to use the Children's Lawline?
Thanks to the generosity of our donors, it is free.
Families in Transition
Mediation provides an opportunity for parties to work out their custody and visitation disputes. The Children's Law Center provides a male/female team of mediators consisting of an attorney and a mental health worker, both of whom are very familiar with the family court process. The team meets with both parties to introduce the program and identify the issues to be resolved. We help each party voice their concerns as well as understand the concerns of the other parent. We give parents the tools necessary to communicate more effectively with one another.
Members of our Families In Transition Team are:
Kelly Bobbitt
Bruce Clements
Doug Edwards
Lisa Farley
Scott Sandler
Annette Santiago-Kozmon
Lee Sauerhoff
Rob Zaslow
What are the benefits of mediation?
- It helps children by lessening the conflict in their lives.
- Mediation not only helps resolve the immediate disagreements, but also helps participants learn new ways of dealing with one another that will help in the future.
- You get personalized help in understanding the court system.
- You have the assistance of both a legal and a mental health professional without the expense and time commitment of repeated court appearances.
- It's confidential.
- You can come back later for more help if needed.
Why do you provide mediation?
We are committed to protecting children from the harm that high conflict custody and visitation disputes cause. Successful mediation can take the conflict out of custody and visitation proceedings and reduce the stress of repeated court appearances
What are the requirements for the program?
To be eligible, parents must be low or moderate income and willing to participate.
How can I get mediation services for my case?
You can call us at 1-888-LAW-DOOR. The Court, the Family Services Office, or your attorney may refer you; however, both parents must contact our office in order to be considered for the program.
How much does it cost?
The service is free of charge for income eligible parents, for others it is based on a sliding fee scale.
|
 |
|
