Comments for Attorney O's Midnight Musings: Connecticut Law

Comment on Appointing a Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) for your Divorce Case in Connecticut by susan

susan — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 22:18:38 +0000

When is the GAL out of the picture? 15 years? definition says appointed for legal proceeding, but its over and the GAL is still around collecting and harassing. When does the appointment end?

Comment on Appointing a Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) for your Divorce Case in Connecticut by Irene C. Olszewski, Esq.

Irene C. Olszewski, Esq. — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 02:50:12 +0000

Susan,
It’s clear you had a horrible experience with a GAL and for that, I am truly sorry.

Let’s hear from some other readers on this topic. Did you have a good experience or a bad experience with a GAL in your divorce?

Comment on Post-Divorce Estate Planning by Irene C. Olszewski, Esq.

Irene C. Olszewski, Esq. — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 02:42:11 +0000

Martina,
I hope your sister will find the post useful … and that she will follow the suggestions. Thanks for your kind words.

Comment on Post-Divorce Estate Planning by Martina Hicks

Martina Hicks — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 02:14:07 +0000

My younger sister just went through a rough divorce. I sent her this post to remind her that she has to focus on her new life and not leave everything up to chance. Your posts are very educational. I enjoy your blog.

Comment on Appointing a Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) for your Divorce Case in Connecticut by Susan

Susan — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 00:53:27 +0000

Oh- guess who does GAL trainings? Who is in charge of them? Too many abusers who traffick children to the highest bidder. Look ultimately where funding comes from.

Who oversees GAL’s in family court? No one.
Look at money trail for GAL training.

Comment on Appointing a Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) for your Divorce Case in Connecticut by Susan

Susan — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 00:46:32 +0000

Then kindly tell me who oversees family court gals?

If one say whose close family worked with one of parents in divorce for seven years and who was appointed by a judge who was represented in divorce by the attorney who also represents the same parent who worked with gal’s family.
How does one get rid of gal?
Also is a GAL still GAL after proceeding concluded without agreement or appointment?
Anyone who’s abused by their spouse and the spouse abused children will lose children post judgement to the abuser will lose custody 90 percent of the time Connecticut.
It’s been my experience courts only enforce orders for those who can get them in front of a judge.
What is happening to abused women and children in this state falls under the federal definition of human trafficking.
But if anyone cared, laws would provide penalties harsher for hurting children than harming puppies. Extreme statement, but true.
Connecticut is notoriously known as one of the worst family court systems in the country, but we are so elitist here and attorneys make laws to protect themselves it’s unchecked.
No oversight to family court Guardian ad Litems.
Most aren’t even qualified.
Stick with family relations and stay away from gal. It only works our if it’s in your clients’ best interests, hardly anyone who is abusive has his or her best interest with children.

Comment on Appointing a Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) for your Divorce Case in Connecticut by Irene C. Olszewski, Esq.

Irene C. Olszewski, Esq. — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 18:42:05 +0000

Susan,
Thanks for sharing your views. I can’t completely agree that GALs don’t have oversight. I’ve worked with some great GALs and some not-so-great GALs. I’ve also worked with Family Relations. I once had a case that used BOTH the GAL and Family Relations. Each of those resources can be useful and important when children are involved in a divorce. If you do have a GAL and don’t feel that he or she is performing the job properly, you should absolutely bring it to the court’s attention.

In Connecticut, all GALs are required to undergo special training. That was recently implemented. I’m hoping that will make the GAL system a more solid one for families to work with.

Thanks for reading, Susan. Your comments were most appreciated.

Comment on Appointing a Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) for your Divorce Case in Connecticut by Susan

Susan — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 01:39:41 +0000

Never get a gal, go through family relations. If you really care about children, don’t.
GALs have no oversight whatsoever.

Comment on Winter Storm Alfred: Life Without Power by Irene C. Olszewski, Esq.

Irene C. Olszewski, Esq. — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 23:00:57 +0000

Audrey,

Thanks so much for sharing your story! Yes, it appears that we do share the same birthday. How wonderful that your neighbor came to the rescue. There’s nothing worse than spending a birthday alone while freezing in the dark! Thanks so much for reading … happy belated birthday!

Comment on Winter Storm Alfred: Life Without Power by Audrey Olander

Audrey Olander — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 18:28:39 +0000

I just had to respond after reading because, if I figured out the days right, you and I share the same birthday, November 2. I was also angry there was no power on my birthday and had to spend it in my freezing cold apartment also without running water and no way to get warm. Luckily I saved water in my bathtub when I heard the storm was coming. I didn’t get my power back until after a full 7 nights without heat. One of the most frustrating experiences I’ve ever had. I was about to spend my birthday feeling sorry for myself until my neighbor rang my doorbell and had brought hamburgers and hotdogs she cooked on her grill and then invited me to spend time sitting in front of her fire. Couldn’t ask for a kinder, more meaningful birthday present.