Divorce can be a difficult and emotional process, but contrary to what television would have you believe, it doesn’t have to be contentious. While litigation is necessary in some circumstances, for many couples, mediation is an effective alternative that allows you and your spouse to reach your own agreement.

In divorce mediation, a neutral mediator assists a divorcing couple in arriving at a mutually acceptable settlement agreement. It is non-adversarial, emphasizes cooperative problem solving, and gives you more control over the issues that matter most, such as child custody and division of marital assets.

Here are six key benefits of divorce mediation, and how they can help you and your spouse maintain an attitude of cooperation both during and after the divorce.

1. You control the outcome. You and your spouse, not the court, decide the terms of your agreement. Important decisions about your children, your finances, and your future are not in the hands of a judge who is unfamiliar with your family dynamics.
2. It is less adversarial. Mediation focuses on creative and cooperative problem solving and addresses everyone’s needs. Any issues are resolved by communicating instead of arguing. By working as a team, you and your spouse have a stronger chance of reaching a mutually satisfactory agreement.
3. Your children are protected from conflict. Mediation is a non-adversarial process, so your children are not exposed to tension, verbal attacks, and other signs of conflict between their parents. They are also not required to appear in court or be interviewed by strangers. Divorce mediators help you both focus on your children’s needs as you reach a custody agreement.
4. There is greater confidentiality involved. All communications and documents associated with the mediation process are privileged and confidential. Your meetings with the mediator are also private matters, unlike litigation carried out in a public courtroom.
5. Post-divorce stability is stronger. During mediation sessions, you and your spouse are required to communicate effectively and show respect for one another as you work toward a consensus on important issues. This ability to cooperate will have a positive impact on your future co-parenting skills, which can only benefit your children.
6. There is faster resolution. Instead of having to wait for a court hearing date, many spouses are able to resolve their issues and reach an accord more efficiently. You will both be free to move on with your lives more quickly.

If you and your spouse are willing to work together, mediation could be the right way for you to end the marriage amicably and get what you each require to move forward. The experienced and compassionate attorneys at Freed Marcroft can help you address important divorce-related issues in a supportive and non-confrontational environment: please call us today to learn more.

The post Why Mediate Your Divorce?: 6 Key Benefits appeared first on Freed Marcroft LLC.

The Freed Marcroft family includes Rex, Lola, Echo, Oreo, Starr, Lucy, Mr. Beans, Stefi, Molly, Fiona, and Tangerine

I was in law school when I discovered that, in the eyes of the law at least, animals are property. Our legal tradition is binary in that there are two primary approaches to how we classify — “persons” and “things.”  Animals, I learned, are treated as things, and, more specifically, as the property of persons.

Our non-attorney clients don’t get to learn that animals are things in the comfort of a classroom like I did.  Many find out in the context of their divorce, and, sadly, often at the painful moment when they and their spouse are trying to decide how to handle the family dog (or cat, or pot-bellied pig).

This comes as no surprise to us at Freed Marcroft.  As divorce and family lawyers, we are very aware that most people treat their pets as members of their families.  Heck, we do it ourselves.  We have even had clients who found us through the twitter account of our beloved law firm dog Daphne, @thatlawyerdog.

Dividing Pets Like Property

In a divorce, a court divides “things,” or orders “things” sold and the proceeds divided.  It doesn’t set up visitation schedules for toasters, or snowblowers, or perfectly restored ’57 Chevy Delrays.  But many couples do not want their pets lumped in with the “property division” portion of their divorce.  They want a more nuanced arrangement when it comes to their pets, such as shared custody, visitation, sharing of pet expenses like food and vet bills, and even monetary support.

Alaska Has Amended Divorce Statutes to Allow Joint Custody of Pets

This is such a big issue that laws are beginning to change.  In January, Alaska amended its divorce statutes as to how pets are treated in the context of divorce.  According to the Washington Post, that made “Alaska the first state in the country to require courts to take ‘into consideration the well-being of the animal’ and to explicitly empower judges to assign joint custody of pets.”

Rhode Island Poised to Be Next

Our next door neighbor Rhode Island hopes to be next.  Charlene Lima, a Rhode Island State Representative (and owner of Keiko, a Husky) has introduced legislation similar to Alaska’s.  The New York Times reports that “Ms. Lima’s bill says that a judge ‘shall consider the best interest of the animal’ in a divorce or separation. Ms. Lima said she planned to introduce specific guidelines to be considered, such as which spouse most cared for the animal and took it to the vet, and whose lifestyle was best suited to pet ownership.”

Daphne, Courtesy of Bill Morgan Media

How Do We Treat Pets in Connecticut?

Connecticut, like most of the country, still treats pets as property in the divorce context.  That said, when parties have reached an agreement that falls within judicial authority, some judges have incorporated agreements with provisions allowing for shared time with pets and shared pet expenses into their court orders.

We Live in Connecticut and Pets are a Priority, What Should We Do?

In our experience at Freed Marcroft, divorcing spouses are far more likely to get more progressive approaches to addressing pets when there is an agreement than they are when they cannot agree and ask a judge to make a decision.  This means that many pet owners choose to use mediation or collaborative law as opposed to traditional litigation as their approach to divorce.  Both share the goal of reaching creative resolutions outside of court.  Please contact us if you are interested in learning more about the best ways to prioritize your pets during your divorce.

“The dog is a gentleman; I hope to go to his heaven, not man’s.”

–Mark Twain

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Freed Marcroft’s Connecticut attorneys guide select clients through the legal aspects of divorce and family law issues while remaining mindful of their overall wellness.

To discuss our helping with your situation, contact us today either here or by phone at 860-560-8160.

The post Pets and Divorce in Connecticut: Family Members or Things? appeared first on Freed Marcroft LLC.

When you divorce the other parent of your children, does your relationship disappear, or does it become redefined? In reality, the choice is yours. You don’t have to be best friends with your former spouse, but you might consider collaborative divorce to make the whole process go smoothly for you and the kids. Aside from keeping your children out of a stressful courtroom environment, collaborative divorce can have several benefits for your kids’ adjustment and well-being.

1) It reduces conflict.

The level of conflict in a divorce can often have more impact on your children than the divorce itself. In fact, research has shown that a low-conflict divorce can help your children adjust to the changes ahead. This is exactly what a collaborative divorce can provide. Unlike the resentful, sometimes war-like environment that litigation creates, collaborative divorce is peaceful by nature. As the name suggests, it encourages cooperation between you and your ex-spouse, allowing you to resolve issues together with a professional attorney on each side.

2) It promotes emotional stability.

Again, conflict has a toxic effect on children. When they see you fighting with your ex-spouse, they can lose their ability to cope with divorce. Similarly, it’s easy to bring the stress of a courtroom battle back home to your kids. Collaborative divorce promotes calm, level-headed discussion. It will help you stay emotionally strong, allowing you to take better care of your children during the divorce process. You’ll also send out positive vibes to support their own emotional adjustment.

3) It can resolve financial issues.

Plenty of research supports the fact that children do better in financially stable households. Money paves the way for better education, health care, and overall quality of life. Collaborative divorce is more economical in many ways, and gives you the opportunity to fairly divide your assets in a way that benefits both you and your children.

4) It encourages co-parenting.

In the early stages of divorce, it can be difficult to envision how you’ll get along with your ex-spouse. Collaborative divorce sets a positive precedent for the rest of your relationship. According to the collaborative divorce mentality, your former spouse is more than just an ex you’d like to forget—they’re a co-parent who will always be there for your children. You’ll have the opportunity to work together and solve problems as they come up. Besides, in all likelihood, your children would love to see you both together at soccer games, dance recitals, and holiday dinners. Collaborative divorce can give you more chances to really be there for your kids.

5) It offers outside-the-box solutions.

The time you spend with your children is precious. Do you really want to treat that time like property, fighting over who gets what? Collaborative divorce encourages you both to find creative solutions to challenges related to child custody, visitation, and more.

6) It respects your family’s one-of-a-kind nature.

Your family is not like other families. When you divorce, your family’s unique culture doesn’t simply disappear—it just needs to be reworked to reflect your new situation. Collaborative divorce puts excellent decision-making tools in your hands, allowing you to take your family’s individual needs into account.

If you like the idea of collaborative divorce, but you’re not sure it’s right for you, consult an experienced attorney. When you visit the law firm of Freed Marcroft, we will explain the differences between the different approached to divorce — mediation, collaborative divorce, and litigation — and help you make the best decisions for your particular needs. Please give us a call to begin the discussion.

The post How Can a Collaborative Divorce Benefit Your Children? appeared first on Freed Marcroft LLC.

More and more senior spouses have been turning to divorce in recent years. “Gray divorce,” or divorce between older couples, can seem like a ticket to freedom after many years of living with the same person. You may be considering divorce yourself, whether it’s because you crave independence, you want to live a different lifestyle, or you’ve simply drifted apart from your spouse. You may be set on your decision, but keep in mind that gray divorce comes with a host of challenges that don’t typically come up between younger couples.

1) Proving Value or Ownership of Assets

The division of property can get more complicated during the process of a gray divorce. While some states divide assets based on the concept of “community property,” Connecticut follows the principle of “equitable distribution.” Rather than splitting everything 50/50, equitable distribution means dividing your assets “fairly” while considering each spouse’s future financial situation. Generally speaking, the rule distinguishes between your marital property (or property gained together during marriage) and separate property (or property you acquired before or after marriage). It can be especially difficult to prove the value of your pre-marital assets in a gray divorce, assuming you haven’t kept every important bank statement or receipt from decades in the past.  

2) Dividing Specific Types of Property

Some property and assets may be difficult to divide or complicate what you expect to receive from the divorce. These may include pension plans, 401(k)s, social security, and inheritances. To handle these types of assets, you’ll often need foresight and a nuanced approach. You may have to let go of other property entirely, like the marital home. One or both of you may feel it’s important to keep the house, but once you have divided your funds in half, will you have the financial means to sustain it? You may not expect to relocate at your age, but it’s something you should keep in mind.  

3) Reduced Financial Freedom

While many people see gray divorce as a way to control their own finances, especially after years of sharing the responsibility, it can present some big financial changes. Aside from the initial costs of any divorce, a gray divorce can be expensive for either spouse. The division of property will cut your funds more or less in half—funds you may have intended to leave for your children, or to enjoy your twilight years in comfort. In some cases, your post-divorce finances may necessitate a lifestyle change. If you’re a potential gray divorcee, think about how you can pursue your independence without sacrificing any financial freedom in your retirement years.

4) Inheritance

As mentioned above, certain types of assets are more difficult to handle in the property division process. Inheritance is often one of the most complicated. If you have received an inheritance, the courts will usually consider it separate property. When inheritance funds intermingle with marital property, it can take some investigation to trace exactly what belongs to whom during a gray divorce. The result? After all is said and done, one of you may ultimately be left with less property than you expected.

Gray divorce is more complex than regular divorce in several ways. How can you anticipate the changes ahead? It’s important to find an experienced team of family lawyers who can assist you throughout the process. Please contact the law office of Freed Marcroft to begin the discussion.

The post 4 Unique Challenges Inherent in a Gray Divorce appeared first on Freed Marcroft LLC.

So you’ve finalized your divorce, and your former spouse violates a court order. What now? It’s possible that the violation disrupts your finances, your schedule, or even your ability to care for your children. It’s important to understand your legal options while making sure your divorce decree is respected as a legally binding order.

Understanding Contempt

When a family court judge issues a divorce decree, you and your ex-spouse are bound to its rules. Anyone who fails to follow a court order may be found in contempt of court. This can happen when people fail to pay child support or alimony, or when they stray from the visitation plan. A person found in contempt may be ordered to comply with the court orders, face fines, and even receive jail time. While you do have the option to file a contempt of court motion, some Connecticut courts tend to shy away from contempt rulings. You may also want to avoid more serious penalties for your ex-spouse. It’s important to consider the alternatives and discuss all your options with your attorney before attempting any such legal action.

Your Alternatives

A motion for contempt is a valid approach, but together with your attorney, you might decide that is isn’t the most efficient initial approach to accomplish your goals. First of all, understand that if your ex-spouse has a problem with the divorce order, he or she cannot simply ignore it or refuse to comply. If your ex has legitimate reasons to protest the order—like a job loss that makes it more difficult to pay child support—he or she must file a motion to modify, which can adjust the elements of a divorce decree to reflect the new situation.

Since you don’t have a responsibility to file a motion to modify on behalf of your ex-partner, you might consider a motion to compel. Motions to compel are often used in the discovery process of a trial, but they can also be used post-divorce to enforce a divorce judgment. It can essentially require your ex-partner to follow the court’s orders.

A Tailored Approach

While these motions can be useful depending on your circumstances, filing isn’t always a necessary or even preferable plan of action. In an ideal situation, you can sit down with your attorney and discuss ways to enforce the divorce decree in a non-confrontational way. The right legal counsel will encourage you to use creative methods to meet your needs, maintain a civil relationship with your ex-partner, and move forward without any issues.

You have a right to enforce your divorce decree and discourage your ex from violating any more orders. If you want to modify a court order, or if you need help enforcing a divorce order, you should contact a knowledgeable attorney. Contact the law office of Freed Marcroft to get professional legal help with your divorce issues. You can trust our family lawyer to assertively represent your rights in court.

The post What to Do When a Former Partner Violates a Divorce Order appeared first on Freed Marcroft LLC.

Collaborative divorce aims to minimize the stressful, time-consuming aspects of other divorce methods. You’ll have to cover a wide range of issues throughout this cooperative process. One of these important issues, of course, is money. You’ll need to reach a series of satisfactory agreements when it comes to dividing your property, assets, and debts. In simple terms, a financial expert can make sure that whole process goes smoothly.

Money can be a stressful topic of conversation in any setting. It can be difficult to ask for what you want—and to give your ex-spouse what he or she needs. First and foremost, a financial expert will act as a neutral party to make sure your money-related discussions are fair and on-topic. Your financial expert will typically be a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) or CFP (Certified Financial Planner). When you can consult with and defer to someone with specialized financial knowledge, it can benefit both of you in many ways.

First, your financial specialist will take stock of your financial affairs. You will get an exhaustive list of your income (from work or cash flow from other sources); the assets you both own (like your house, bank accounts, stock, and retirement plans); as well as the debts you both owe (like loans, mortgages, and credit cards). This part is a breeze compared to the drawn-out discovery process in litigation.

Before making any decisions with you, the financial expert will put a value on all of these assets and debts; differentiate between your marital and non-marital assets; calculate the tax implications of any assets, liabilities, or potential support payments; and look into your spending habits to see how your lifestyle habits will fit into the equation. As an outside party, the expert may be able to spot patterns and come up with ideas that would never occur to someone on the inside.

Once your financial expert has sat down with each of you, learned about your realistic needs, and assessed your financial affairs, he or she will determine the best way to divide the assets while benefiting each parent and child as much as possible. As a neutral and unbiased party, the expert will not favor one parent over the other but try to meet both of your needs in a fair and intelligent way.

With this outside-the-box thinking, your financial specialist will come up with alimony and child support scenarios. You can work from these scenarios together to negotiate, compromise, and think creatively until you’ve reached a win-win solution.

Overall, a financial specialist can provide you with a clear understanding of your finances, save time, and use a creative approach to benefit everyone. If you’d like to know more about collaborative divorce and how it can work for you, contact the law office of Freed Marcroft. We would be happy to demonstrate the value and benefits of this increasingly popular divorce process.

The post What Role Does a Financial Expert Play in the Collaborative Process? appeared first on Freed Marcroft LLC.

If you’re a dual citizen, married to a citizen of another country, or you live overseas, it can be tricky to pursue a divorce in the United States. International law can often prolong an already long and complex process. Generally speaking, you must file where you reside. Each of the states has its own residency requirements, but if you both live abroad, you’ll have to file for divorce in your country of residence. Assuming you’re filing with an American court, some of the following scenarios may apply to you.

1. You own property overseas

If you and your spouse are divorcing in the United States and you have marital property in other countries, the process of property division can be confusing. Your international property is valued according to the laws and tax system in that particular country. When it comes to dividing property, the court will follow the rules of the state issuing the divorce order. Enforcing the divorce order can get even more complicated, since not all countries will recognize an American court ruling. It may be possible for your spouse to show up abroad with the property and refuse to give it up, in which case you’ll have to do some travelling to decide the matter in overseas courts.

2. Your child’s “home state” is outside of the US

Your divorce case will be handled in the state where you reside, but depending on a few factors, you may have to settle child custody matters in another jurisdiction. Based on the Uniform Child Custody and Jurisdiction Act (UCCJA), American courts consider the child’s “home state” to be the location where your child has lived for six months, or a location that has significant connections for your child. As a result, a US court may rule on most of your divorce issues and then decide that your child custody matters must be decided elsewhere.

3. Your ex-spouse travels abroad with your child

If your ex-spouse leaves the US with your child, in defiance of your child custody orders, you may have a long legal battle on your hands. This is considered child abduction, whether or not your spouse realizes or intends it. The Hague Convention on Private Law aimed to streamline the process of returning internationally abducted children, but it can only be enforced in one of the 75 member countries. If the other parent lives in a non-member country, make sure your custody agreement prohibits the parent from taking your child to that specific country.

4. You receive alimony from an overseas ex-spouse

Alimony can be tricky where international law is concerned. If were granted alimony in a US court but you live abroad, you’ll usually have to pay tax on that money, unless a specific treaty says otherwise. What if you live in the US and your overseas spouse stops paying court-ordered alimony? In many cases, you can only enforce the order by physically getting your ex-spouse back into the US.

If you believe your divorce may involve international law, you should contact a family lawyer as soon as possible. The attorneys at Freed Marcroft will help you enforce court orders obtained in the US and prevent future issues to the best of their abilities. Give us a call to discuss your situation with an attentive, compassionate source of legal counsel.

The post 4 Situations in Which Your Divorce Case May Involve International Law appeared first on Freed Marcroft LLC.

Depending on your settings, notifications for text messages or iMessages can pop up even on a locked cell phone. This means, for example, that if you leave your phone face-up on a table, anyone within eyeshot of your phone may be able to view the content of your messages.

More, through things like Apple ID/iCloud which are designed to make our lives more convenient and technologically seamless, text messages can also show up on iPads and computers.

This can have unintended consequences, which were on full display this week as Alabama Governor Robert Bentley resigned on Monday after an ethics report concluded he used state resources to conceal an affair with his adviser, Rebekah Caldwell Mason.

Much of the evidence upon which the Alabama House Ethics Committee relied came via his wife, Dianne Bentley.

According to the impeachment report, Mrs. Bentley first sensed something was going on between her husband and Ms. Mason in September 2013. Mrs. Bentley noticed that Ms. Mason was texting the governor on off-hours and non-gubernatorial business.  By 2014, the Governor made “a few unambiguous fumbles” that blew his cover.

First, he wrote “I love you Rebekah” in a text message to Mrs. Bentley.  Then, he gave his wife state-issued iPad, apparently unaware that it was synced with his state-issued iPhone and that any texts he might send from that phone would be accessible on the iPad.

Mrs. Bentley saw messages where her husband called Ms. Mason “sweetheart” and said “You are wonderful my sweet love.” They discussed the Governor’s “Private Rebekah phone,” and making an escape together.  Ms. Mason called Governor Bentley a “handsome wonderful amazing funny sweet man.”

Mrs. Bentley took screenshots of the text messages between her husband and Rebekah Mason.  She filed for divorce in 2015, and turned her evidence to the ethics committee in 2016.

Most of us, of course, aren’t governors in the middle of a public scandal, and most of us are not engaged in extra marital affairs.  That doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t learn from Governor and Mrs. Bentley, because this technology can impact our lives with serious consequences, too.  Setting aside both impeachment and the myriad of issues associated with extramarital affairs, you can imagine that even appropriate communications might have terrible impacts if they don’t remain private.

For example — as opposed to Governor Bentley’s no-context-required tête-à-tête with his paramour — what if what was intended to be a private heart-to-heart with a close friend showed up without context on a spouse’s iPad?  Much worse, imagine if two spouses’ adult exchange about issues in their marriage was seen by a child using the family computer.

Before “shooting off a text,” pause and be mindful of potential the impact of our (over) wired world on marriages and families.

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Freed Marcroft’s attorneys guide select clients through the legal aspects of divorce and family law issues while remaining mindful of their overall wellness.

To discuss our helping with your situation, contact us today either here or by phone at 860-560-8160.

The post Text Messages and Divorce: Lessons From Former Alabama Governor Robert Bentley appeared first on Freed Marcroft LLC.

Are you ready to take the “step” out of “stepparent” and become a fully legal parent to your spouse’s child? With a successful stepparent adoption, you take on all the legal rights and responsibilities associated with biological parenthood—as long as you follow the proper procedures. The adoption process differs from state to state, so make sure you understand the steps you’ll have to take in Connecticut.

Step 1: Do your homework

Start researching the adoption process in your state long before you submit an application. While you’re off to a good start reading this overview, you may find that the nuances of your situation require a little more fact-finding. For example, if your child is aged 12 or older, you’ll have to obtain his or her consent before the adoption can be finalized. It can be extremely helpful to hire a family attorney and this stage and get detailed information about your particular circumstances—and focused guidance throughout the following steps.

Step 2: Prepare the paperwork

Once you’ve found the appropriate court in your county, you should ask them where you can find the required legal forms. The forms will ask you a series of questions about you, the child you want to adopt, and your relationship with the child’s parent. You’ll need to show several documents to prove the information you provide, such as the child’s birth certificate, your marriage license, and a copy of the non-custodial parent’s consent. A lawyer can go through the paperwork stage for you.

Step 3: Terminate parental rights

Because both biological parents have parental rights to the child, you’ll have to obtain the non-custodial parent’s permission to terminate his or her parental rights. If that parent consents in writing, you can proceed with the adoption. Otherwise, you’ll need to attend an adversarial hearing to terminate parental rights. It’s essentially a trial to determine whether you have enough legal grounds to terminate parental rights. If the parent is missing, you must try to locate him or her. A court may decide that the parent’s consent is unnecessary after you successfully claim that the absent parent abandoned the child.

Step 4: Submit the petition

You’ll have to submit your application with a court clerk in your county of residence. This involves filing the forms and supporting documentation you gathered in Step 2. Once your application has been received, the court will set a date for a non-adversarial adoption hearing.

Step 5: Attend the adoption hearing

During your adoption hearing, the court will determine whether a stepparent adoption is in the child’s best interest. A successful hearing will result in the issuance of a new birth certificate for your legal child. If you plan to change the child’s name—and you, your spouse, and the child all agree to the name—you can now make a request to include the new name in the adoption decree.

At Freed Marcroft, we take pride in our ability to unite and empower families in Connecticut. Give us a call if you’re planning a stepparent adoption. We will do everything in our power to ensure you receive the parental rights you deserve.

The post How to Take the “Step” Out of “Stepparent” appeared first on Freed Marcroft LLC.

Via Instagram

Celebrities have it all. We frequently think of this only in terms of the good – access to clothes, cars, and lavish homes. However, they can also have the same struggles that affect non-celebrities, like divorce and custody battles.  Worse, for celebrities, those personal, family issues can wind up splashed all over the front page.

Scarlett Johansson and Roman Dauriac

Take Scarlett Johansson. Scarlett and her husband Romain Dauriac had their daughter Rose Dorothy in 2014 and the two wed shortly after. A few years later, things haven’t worked out and the couple has decided to divorce. Negotiations had been taking place privately between the pair and their lawyers until recently when Scarlett decided to file in New York, making the case a whole lot more public.

According to reports (which wouldn’t exist if Scarlett and Romain had remained in private negotiations outside of court), Dauriac and Johansson are both seeking custody of their young child, with Dauriac stating his intentions to move back to Paris if he is awarded custody. Johansson is seeking to keep her daughter with her in the States.

Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Enforcement Act “UCCJEA”

One possibility for why Scarlett filed might have been to establish New York’s jurisdiction over the child custody and potential relocation dispute. Under the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Enforcement Act, or “UCCJEA”, the court of jurisdiction is wherever a child has resided for the previous six months. This prevents parents from moving and taking the child away from a non-custodial parent without either their consent or a court order.

International Custody Issues Adds Additional Complexity

Child custody disputes can be complex on their own, but the additional challenge of an international case can be even more difficult to navigate. Depending on the issues involved and the choices the parents make, the law of other states or nations — as well as international law — may come into play, including the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, a treaty with approximately 45 member countries, and the aforementioned UCCJEA.

Our mobile and global community means that many people living in Connecticut can face international divorce and custody issues. For example, one or both spouses can be foreign nationals living in the United States, or one or both spouses are US citizens or nationals, but living abroad.

No one plans on getting divorced or becoming embroiled in custody disputes, but it is important to know your rights and the laws in the event the unexpected happens. International child custody issues can involve disputes over relocation, enforcement of child custody decisions and, in extreme situations, abductions.  It is critical to ensure that you involve counsel experienced with international divorce and custody issues.

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Freed Marcroft’s attorneys guide select clients through the legal aspects of divorce and family law issues while remaining mindful of their overall wellness.

To discuss our helping with your situation, contact us today either here or by phone at 860-560-8160

The post What Scarlett Johansson Can Teach Us About International Divorce and Custody appeared first on Freed Marcroft LLC.

When it comes to divorce, the end is not always the end. It’s not uncommon for issues to crop up long after the divorce decree has been issued by the court. Whether one ex-spouse feels the judgment is unfair, believes a mistake was made, or simply needs the order to be modified to reflect a major change in circumstances, you should understand the common issues that can arise even after your divorce has been finalized.

1) A parent wants to relocate

Like many other family courts, Connecticut courts make child custody decisions based on the child’s best interests. The same is true when deciding, post-divorce judgment, whether one parent can move away to another state or jurisdiction with the child in tow. You may want to relocate from Connecticut for genuine reasons, like pursuing a job opportunity or living closer to relatives. On the other side, you may be worried about being separated from your children as the Connecticut-based parent. Either way, you should consider seeking legal counsel to defend your rights as a parent.

2) The paying spouse can no longer make support payments

At some point after your divorce judgment orders alimony or child support, it’s possible for the paying ex-spouse to encounter some financial problems. Maybe he or she loses a job, sustains an injury that makes work impossible, or experiences a big reduction in business profits. When this happens for legitimate reasons, a court may rule that it would be unfair to hold the paying spouse to the original support allocations. That parent must formally request a modification to the support order, however, rather than simply ignoring or failing to make the payments.

3) An ex-spouse makes an appeal

Even in the case of important divorce judgments, mistakes can be made. It’s always possible for a judge to err at some point in the trial process, affecting the outcome of your divorce decree. It’s also possible that your ex-spouse acted fraudulently in some way, swaying the results in his or her favor. This can happen, for example, when one spouse withholds financial information before property division. You have the option to file an appeal and review any errors that may have occurred during the trial process—and potentially have the mistake corrected.

4) An ex-spouse disobeys a court order

If one of you has a problem with the original divorce judgment, it’s not advisable to ignore the decree entirely. That’s why the appeals and modification options exist. Still, some ex-spouses see fit to disobey the child visitation schedule, withhold payments, or keep property that was awarded to the other spouse. If this happens with your ex-spouse, Connecticut law affords you the right to pursue several different remedies, like the ability to collect child support payments in arrears. Your ex-spouse can face consequences like wage garnishment, a lien against property, a driver’s license suspension, or even contempt charges.

Once again, you should never ignore the court’s instructions in a divorce decree. If you feel the judgment is unfair for any reason, or if your ex-spouse has defied the decree, you should contact an established family law firm. Consult with the attorneys at Freed Marcroft for continued post-divorce support and trustworthy legal counsel.

The post 4 Common Post-Judgment Divorce Issues appeared first on Freed Marcroft LLC.

Divorce can be a difficult and emotional process, but contrary to what television would have you believe, it doesn’t have to be contentious. While litigation is necessary in some circumstances, for many couples, mediation is an effective alternative that allows you and your spouse to reach your own agreement.

In divorce mediation, a neutral mediator assists a divorcing couple in arriving at a mutually acceptable settlement agreement. It is non-adversarial, emphasizes cooperative problem solving, and gives you more control over the issues that matter most, such as child custody and division of marital assets.

Here are six key benefits of divorce mediation, and how they can help you and your spouse maintain an attitude of cooperation both during and after the divorce.

1. You control the outcome. You and your spouse, not the court, decide the terms of your agreement. Important decisions about your children, your finances, and your future are not in the hands of a judge who is unfamiliar with your family dynamics.
2. It is less adversarial. Mediation focuses on creative and cooperative problem solving and addresses everyone’s needs. Any issues are resolved by communicating instead of arguing. By working as a team, you and your spouse have a stronger chance of reaching a mutually satisfactory agreement.
3. Your children are protected from conflict. Mediation is a non-adversarial process, so your children are not exposed to tension, verbal attacks, and other signs of conflict between their parents. They are also not required to appear in court or be interviewed by strangers. Divorce mediators help you both focus on your children’s needs as you reach a custody agreement.
4. There is greater confidentiality involved. All communications and documents associated with the mediation process are privileged and confidential. Your meetings with the mediator are also private matters, unlike litigation carried out in a public courtroom.
5. Post-divorce stability is stronger. During mediation sessions, you and your spouse are required to communicate effectively and show respect for one another as you work toward a consensus on important issues. This ability to cooperate will have a positive impact on your future co-parenting skills, which can only benefit your children.
6. There is faster resolution. Instead of having to wait for a court hearing date, many spouses are able to resolve their issues and reach an accord more efficiently. You will both be free to move on with your lives more quickly.

If you and your spouse are willing to work together, mediation could be the right way for you to end the marriage amicably and get what you each require to move forward. The experienced and compassionate attorneys at Freed Marcroft can help you address important divorce-related issues in a supportive and non-confrontational environment: please call us today to learn more.

The post Why Mediate Your Divorce?: 6 Key Benefits appeared first on Freed Marcroft LLC.

How does an unmarried couple deal with issues like child support, custody, and visitation after they separate? The answer isn’t always a simple one. When it comes to parenting matters, you’ll face many of the same challenges presented to married couples with kids, and you may even have to deal with a few more unique issues. When developing a parenting plan, one thing is clear: Compassionate and experienced legal guidance, like what we at Freed Marcroft provide, will likely be in your best interests. After all, a properly-written parenting plan can make your separation go more smoothly for you, your ex-partner, and, most importantly, your children.

Think of the Children

Most mental health and child development experts agree that children tend to cope better with divorce when their parents have an amicable split. The same is true when unmarried parents separate. If it seems difficult to get along with post-breakup emotions running high, prioritize your kids’ well-being. If you can find a way to cooperate on issues, focus on moving forward, and get along in a civil way, your children will ultimately thank you for it. When all’s said and done and you have a solid parenting plan in place, you’ll know you made the right choice.

Protect Your Parental Rights

Before you can know the benefits of a parenting plan, you should understand your inherent rights as a parent. You have a host of parental rights and responsibilities, even if you’re not married. For instance, you have the right:

• To stay in close contact with your child
• To participate in your child’s upbringing
• To help make major decisions about your child’s life, like healthcare and education, as well as responsibilities like the duty to protect your child from harm.

When it comes to safeguarding these rights, your parenting plan is an essential legal document—one that, if written with legal guidance from us, will ensure your rights aren’t compromised. You should keep in mind that, just as with married couples, Connecticut child support statutes also apply to unmarried parents. Unlike when married couples divorce though, your separation isn’t likely to end with court-ordered property and asset division.

Make It Work For Both of You

While you can make a parenting plan on your own, it may be more beneficial to work on it with your ex-partner, even if you need mediation or counseling to get through it. You’ll be able to collaborate on your plan to decide on things like a basic custody schedule, a schedule for holidays and vacation time, rules on the parental expenses you’ll share, and the structure of your decision-making authority. The document should also include a method for resolving disputes or modifying the plan if things change.

Once you’ve created the parenting plan, we will submit it to the court, where, once it is approved by the judge, it will become a legally binding court order. All in all, the best way to protect your parental rights is to cooperate with your ex (when possible), be comfortable making some compromises for the sake of your children, and to involve compassionate counsel who can guide you through what courts tend to view as agreements that are in the best interests of the children.

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With summer vacation time just around the corner, you may be preoccupied with suntans and ocean views—but have you thought about your legal responsibilities? While it’s certainly not the most fun aspect of your vacation planning, it’s one of the most important, especially if you’re a divorced parent travelling alone with your kids. Make sure you tick these legal boxes before you set forth.

Double-Check Your Packing List

Whether or not you’re the vacationing parent, you should work together with your former spouse to make sure your children have everything they need to travel. If you haven’t gotten around to consolidating your child’s medical and legal documents with your former spouse, now’s the time. Make sure the travelling spouse has a valid passport for each child, any prescription medication they may need, and copies of their health insurance and immunization documents. Once you’ve taken care of this high-importance packing list, you can move on to the toothbrushes and teddy bears.

Get a Letter of Consent

When you travel internationally with your child, some airlines or security officers may ask you to provide a letter of consent. As a precaution against child abduction, the letter essentially states that one parent has given the other parent permission to travel alone with their child. You can find templates on the Bureau of Consular Affairs website.

Understand the Hague Convention

When the time comes for vacation planning, there may be concerns about the destination country—particularly when it comes to countries that don’t recognize the Hague Convention on International Child Abduction. While it’s painful to think about, the unfortunate truth is that some divorced parents may violate court orders by taking their children to a foreign country. The Convention’s legal framework allows children to be returned home, but only in countries that recognize it.  It’s important to have legal counsel on board who is experienced with the nuances of international child custody issues, so that you can understand the applicability of the Hague Convention in the destination country, evaluate the potential risks, and know your legal options in the event your child’s other parent violates your court orders, even if it seems unlikely.

Communicate and Coordinate

Your custody agreement or divorce order typically dictates your responsibilities to communicate with your co-parent If your vacation is out of state.  Often you must notify the other parent in advance, and in many cases, you’ll need to provide details about your arrival and departure dates, flight information, your itinerary, and a phone number and address where the other parent can reach your children.  If possible or if required by their orders, many parents coordinate their respective vacations with the children to make sure they works for everyone.

Some of our clients find that involving us prior to a trip is a proactive step to making sure that they are acting in line with the court’s orders in their case.  Doing so allows you either to rest easy that legal issues won’t ruin your fun in the sun with your kids, or to propose a modification to the orders that is more inline with your goals for you and your children.  Freed Marcroft’s legal team has extensive experience helping parents with divorce and custody-related matters, including court order violations and international divorce law.

The post Summer Vacation for Divorced Parents: Legal Steps to Take Before You Travel appeared first on Freed Marcroft LLC.

The legalization of marriage between partners of the same sex in Connecticut was a hard-fought battle. Decisions recognizing marriage equality in Connecticut in 2008, and then nationally in 2015, were celebrated across the United States—but didn’t come without some complexities. Many same-sex spouses still face a variety of issues that aren’t a reality in heterosexual marriages, and the same extends to the divorce.

From a legal standpoint, divorce between spouses of the same sex shares many similarities with divorce between spouses of opposite sex. Unfortunately, this isn’t always a good thing. To date, laws have not evolved to account for some of the unique challenges faced by same-sex couples. As a result, it’s possible that a court might miss the mark when trying to resolve matters like alimony in a same-sex divorce.

To recognize how alimony may be an issue for same-sex divorcees, it’s important to understand how it’s typically handled in Connecticut courts. When one spouse is able to pay and the other has a financial need, the courts will generally consider awarding alimony. It’s often awarded in marriages where one spouse had a much larger income or acted as the primary “breadwinner.” Judges may award either temporary or permanent alimony once the divorce is final, as well as temporary alimony during the divorce proceedings. The court must consider a wide range of factors before making a decision, such as each spouse’s age and health, occupation and income, and any existing child support awards or payments.

Where do the problems begin? For one, the length of the marriage is an important factor in alimony awards and calculations. Many courts tend to favor marriages of over 10 years in matters of alimony. Of course, while same-sex marriage was legalized nationally in 2015, many couples have been together for much longer. For example, let’s say a couple has been together for 30 years, and they married immediately at the end of 2008. If they divorced in 2017, the courts may treat them as if they were married only 9 years—even though they’ve been sharing property and assets, raising children, and making important mutual decisions together for much longer.

In scenarios like this one, Connecticut law may not take the couple’s entire relationship into account, which can skew the alimony decisions. An ex-spouse in financial need, who has relied on their spouse’s income for so many years, may miss out on an important alimony award because the legal marriage period fell short of the favorable amount of time to be married.

Only a few years ago, same-sex couples faced a litany of challenges with taxes, Social Security, pensions, and more. While many of these problems have been mostly resolved, same-sex couples may still have to deal with legal issues or gray areas when it comes to property division in a divorce. Compounding this problem, a judge will also consider each spouse’s estate, or the assets and property they own, when calculating alimony. It can be even more difficult to make calculations without a clear delineation of who owns what.

Until the Connecticut courts see some meaningful changes in divorce law, same-sex couples may benefit from a less combative form of divorce. Mediation, arbitration, and collaborative divorce may be better suited to help you settle your divorce issues outside of the courtroom. These methods allow you to work more closely with your former spouse in varying degrees, and may create the opportunity for more favorable compromises when it comes to matters like alimony, property division, and child support. Of course, litigation may still be the preferred option for some couples.  

If you are considering marriage or divorce as a same-sex couple, you should take advantage of the legal knowledge and experience available to you.  At Freed Marcroft, we help you navigate the your concerns with compassion. Please contact us to explore the possibilities of prenuptial agreements, collaborative divorce, and other legal tools that can help ensure that your divorce is reflective of your relationship.

The post Potential Alimony Complications for Same Sex Divorcing Couples in Connecticut appeared first on Freed Marcroft LLC.

When the time comes to speak with your children about divorce, it’s important to carefully consider what you’ll say and how you’ll say it. You’re probably aware that it will be a sensitive and emotional conversation. How do you address your kids’ confusion, acknowledge their emotions, and assure them everything will be okay—without overwhelming them, making them too uncomfortable, or overloading them with information? The answer involves a bit of a balancing act.

Studies have shown that children, with their exceptional ability to adapt, can adjust to divorce with enough time and support. Still, the way you break the news can make all the difference. Many adults still remember the moment they were told about their parents’ divorce as children. You can’t erase your child’s pain, but you can support their feelings and guide them through the process.

How much should you actually tell them? Some say honesty is the best policy. When it comes to discussing divorce with your kids, this adage has its limits. On the one hand, you don’t want to avoid answering all of their questions, because it will only add to their uncertainty. For example, younger children tend to worry that the divorce was their fault, and maybe even a result of their bad behavior. If you don’t give them honest information, they may not be able to get over those types of anxieties. On the other hand, you probably shouldn’t tell your 5-year-old that you’re splitting up because “Daddy cheated on Mommy.”

Aside from the inappropriate message, one big problem with the latter approach is that it places blame on your soon-to-be ex-spouse. You may be well within your rights to blame them, but your children have no place in that conflict. Remember that you may be exes, but you’re also co-parents.

When you’re dealing with sensitive information, you may also be tempted to say placating things like, “It’ll be okay.” They may seem helpful, but these statements can sometimes sweep more important details under the rug. Children don’t need to be told that their very real anger, fear, and sadness will magically disappear, but that someone will be there to support them through it. An appropriate but honest approach avoids feelings of conflict and acknowledges your kids’ intelligence. It lets them know you respect their feelings as individuals, and it also says, “I know you can handle this.”

It’s clear that too much information can be inappropriate, overwhelming, and upsetting to your children. Too little information can make them anxious and confused. In the end, you’re the best person to figure out how much or how little to reveal based on your child’s age personality. Your kids might be full of questions like, “Who will take care of me?” and “Where will Fido live?” You might also have a shy little one who hesitates to share his or her feelings, or a teenager who tends to brood alone in his or her bedroom.

At Freed Marcroft, many of our client’s decide to involve a mental health professional whose practice focuses on divorce and helping children through transition.  They can be an invaluable asset in helping you and your spouse be the best co-parents you can be.  

In the meantime, consider these general tips for speaking to children of certain ages:

• Age 0 to 5: Stick to very simple, clear explanations, and give short answers to their questions. Let them know how the future will look (like where they will live and how often they’ll see each parent). Expect multiple short conversations as new questions come up.
• Age 6 to 11: Kids this age may not want to confront their feelings, even if they have the vocabulary to describe them. Try to ask how they’re feeling indirectly and in a non-threatening way. You might also find children’s books about divorce to help them focus.
• Age 12 to 14: You’re more likely to see anger, moodiness, and irritability at this age, so keep your lines of communication open. Preteens may act like they’re pushing you away, but it’s more likely that they want you to reach out.
• Age 15 and up: Teenagers may have more outlets to help them deal with difficult news, but again, it’s important for you to offer communication and space as needed.

To sum up, you should absolutely tell your kids the truth—just not all of it. Keep it age-appropriate, take your kids’ personalities into consideration, avoid playing the blame-game, and acknowledge your kids’ feelings while offering support to get them through this difficult time.

At Freed Marcroft, honesty is our policy too. We will be honest with you, including when it means sharing information or advice that may be difficult to hear.  And, throughout, we will remain mindful that divorce isn’t just a legal process — it’s an emotional one for you and your kids, too.

The post Talking to Your Kids About Divorce: The Fine Line Between Honesty and Oversharing appeared first on Freed Marcroft LLC.

Prenuptial agreements enable prospective spouses to decide and delineate, prior to marriage, their rights and obligations if their marriage ends – either because of the death of one spouse or by divorce. A prenuptial agreement allows you and your fiancé to determine together, in advance, what you think is fair and what you want things to look like should your marriage end. Prenuptial agreements aren’t indicative of a lack of trust; often the associated conversations help lead to a stronger marriage.

Many of our clients have shared that they found the prenuptial agreement process not only productive but that it lead to a deeper understanding of their partner’s feelings about finances and the future. In their opinion,sitting down and discussing both partners’ future financial plans and expectations for the relationship led to a more solid foundation than they otherwise might have had.

If you are thinking about creating a prenup before you tie the knot, it’s also important to understand what a prenuptial agreement cannot do it Connecticut.   When it comes to protecting your finances, prenuptial agreements can be very flexible and accommodating. They can specify how you divide property in case of divorce, who owns your marital home, and what financial responsibilities you each share during the marriage, to name a few common functions.  

That said, here are some of the limitations of a prenup:

It can’t decide child custody issues.

If your marriage ends in divorce, the court will have the final word in matters of child custody, child support, and visitation. The court must consider several factors to ensure their decisions always uphold the child’s best interests. Because the “best interests” standard is considered to be of critical importance, courts will always make sure children have enough financial support, the means to keep up their relationship with a fit parent, access to proper education and healthcare, and so on. Because child welfare is considered a matter of public policy, no court will honor a private prenuptial agreement that interferes with a child’s best interests.

It can’t encourage divorce.

In the past, some courts considered divorce to be against the interests of society, and in some ways the tradition of that attitude still persists. Judges may sometimes look closely at a prenuptial agreement to make sure it doesn’t encourage divorce in its language or structure. If your prenup appears to offer a financial incentive for divorce, or if any provision seems to encourage divorce, it may be set aside by the court.

It can’t have rules about non-financial matters.

You may want to have a discussion with your soon-to-be spouse about household chores, raising children, changing last names, using birth control, and caring for pets before marriage—but these details don’t belong in your prenuptial agreement. Non-financial provisions are not legally binding, and they may actually invalidate your prenup. Upon seeing a list of personal preferences, a judge is likely to question the validity of your prenup or even strike it down entirely.

It can’t promote unconscionable or illegal activities.

As with most contracts, your prenuptial agreement cannot include anything illegal. If you did happen to make an illegal provision, you would risk invalidating all or part of your prenup document. Connecticut courts will also likely reject “unconscionable” prenup provisions (i.e. provisions that are unreasonable, immoral, or unfair in some way).

The laws governing enforceability of prenuptial agreements in Connecticut have evolved significantly over the last several years due to recent judicial decisions, and may well continue to do so.  To assist in your prenuptial agreement the ability to withstand Connecticut courts’ scrutiny, you’ll want to enlist the assistance of a lawyer who is knowledgeable about current court decisions and the impact on your matter. At Freed Marcroft, we can help you create or strengthen a prenup that will protect your finances and your future. Please contact us to learn more about our family law services or to schedule an appointment.

The post Understanding the Limitations of a Prenuptial Agreement appeared first on Freed Marcroft LLC.

Whether you’re deciding on child custody in court or working out an agreement with the other parent, the courts will always have the final word on your child custody arrangements. When the court rules on a child custody order, you and the other parent are legally bound to its rules. How exactly do courts decide on child custody in Connecticut? Let’s take a look at the legal concepts involved in the decision.

Two Types of Custody

First, it’s important to understand that the courts will be making decisions about two different types of child custody: physical custody and legal custody. Physical custody refers to the child’s living situation. If you are given sole physical custody, your child will physically live with you, while the other parent will generally have rights to visitation. A joint custody plan, on the other hand, means your child will spend time living with both of you, even if the amount of time is not exactly equal.

Legal custody gives parents the ability to make major decisions for their children in terms of their education, healthcare, and religion, among others. Again, sole legal custody means only one parent will have this decision-making power. Connecticut courts tend to prefer granting joint legal custody, allowing both parents to share the ability to make decisions for the children.

The Child’s Best Interest

Connecticut courts decide on child custody based on the “child’s best interest” standard. In other words, they will give the child’s needs and interests top priority when making a decision.  The court may take older children’s wishes into consideration, but this is just one of several factors that Connecticut courts will use to decide on child custody.

Questions Asked by the Courts

Your child’s needs. What are your child’s developmental needs, including their physical, emotional, educational, and special needs? Are you and the other parent able to understand and meet your child’s needs? The courts will evaluate your ability to stay active in your child’s life and provide for him or her. Your child’s cultural background may also come into play.

Your child’s relationships. How is the relationship between your child and each parent? What about siblings? Are you willing and able to encourage a good relationship between your child the other parent? The court will frown upon any evidence that you or the other parent has tried to involve your child in your disputes through manipulative or coercive behavior.

Your child’s living situation. Is your child well-adjusted to his or her home, school, and community? Is the child living in a stable environment? The courts will consider how long your child has been living in a stable, satisfactory environment, because they may wish to keep the child in that environment.

The health of everyone involved. Are you in good physical and mental health? What about the other parent? Keep in mind that a disability won’t disqualify a parent from having custody unless the arrangement truly doesn’t benefit the child.

Other factors. Has there been any domestic violence in the household, either against the child, a sibling, or a parent? Has there been any abuse or neglect? The courts will treat these situations very seriously and make an effort to keep the child safe.

Even if you’ve chosen to work out a child custody arrangement with the other parent, you must take care to involve a competent attorney in the process. At Freed Marcroft, we understand that emotions may be running high in any sort of conflict involving your children. Our family lawyers can handle the legal nuances of child custody proceedings on your behalf, taking care to emphasize your child’s best interests while keeping your own needs in focus. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

The post How do Connecticut Courts Decide on Child Custody? appeared first on Freed Marcroft LLC.

For your kids, summertime means no school and plenty of time for fun activities. Between trips to the local pool, summer camp, and vacation time with their parents, they’re always in for a good time. When it comes to divorced co-parents, however, sometimes even a fun and relaxing trip can come with stressful underpinnings. If you’re worried about heated disagreements with your ex, consider these tips to keep it cool during the summer months.

1) Review your parenting plan.

Your parenting plan should have a set schedule that you’ll use most of the time, as well as a specific schedule for vacation time. You may have already agreed on how many days or weeks you are each allowed to be away from home with your children. Before you start planning vacations, take the time to go over your parenting agreement to make sure you understand your summertime scheduling plan. If your agreement doesn’t say anything about summer vacation, you should sit down with your co-parent to draft a plan that works for you both. Don’t forget to account for transportation and logistics.

2) Coordinate.

It’s important to coordinate with your co-parent and always plan ahead. If you’ve made a summer parenting plan, you’re already set up to avoid planning vacations on the same week. When vacation time finally rolls around, ask the other parent to give you an itinerary of their trip, along with contact information where you can reach your kids. The same goes for you. You both have the right to know where your children are and to keep in touch with them on a regular basis.

3) Plan for extra expenses.

Your kids will likely be busy with sports, trips, and activities all summer, but many of these come with a price tag. Have a talk with your co-parent beforehand to decide how you will handle these costs. It’ll be much easier to budget for certain expenses, like summer camp and childcare fees, when you’re both on the same page.

4) Talk to a professional.

Many parenting guides will advise you to avoid feelings of resentment and encourage your kids to have a healthy relationship with their other parent. While this advice is very important, it can sometimes feel like a work-in-progress. You may want to speak with a counselor or psychologist to talk through your feelings. When the time comes for your children to spend a long period of time with the other parent, you may go through a range of emotions, from missing your kids to feeling resentful. A healthcare professional can provide you with a healthy outlet to discuss your emotions.

Whether you’re newly divorced or you’ve been working with your co-parent for years, cooperation and coordination aren’t always easy. At Freed Marcroft, we understand the challenges you face as a divorced parent. Get in touch with our experienced family lawyers if you should ever need help creating a parenting plan, deciding on child custody issues, or enforcing a custody order. We will go above and beyond to meet your needs.

The post 4 Tips for Effective Co-Parenting This Summer appeared first on Freed Marcroft LLC.

In response to recent tweets from the President banning transgendered people from serving in the US military in any capacity, Meghan Freed was quoted by The Hartford Courant, defending Connecticut as being on the “leading edge of working against trans discrimination.”

Meghan, a Hartford attorney who runs a family law practice with her wife, said the decision finalized in 2016 to lift the military’s transgender ban was made after research and backed by data.

“Today it turns out that we can reverse a well thought-out policy with a tweet,” she said. “I would be shocked if there weren’t lawsuits.”

Freed said there has been growing acceptance of transgender individuals, particularly in Connecticut, which she described as “at the leading edge of working against trans discrimination.”

Meghan currently serves on the Board of Directors of GLAD, Gay & Lesbian Advocates and Defenders. The organization’s mission hits close to home for the team at Freed Marcroft. All people deserve equality and representation without discrimination.

Trans people are people, period. To our friends and family in the LGBTQ community and beyond. You are not a burden. You are loved. We are here for you.

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