St. Onge & Brouillard St. Onge & Brouillard 2026-10-06T05:57:42Z https://www.stongeandbrouillard.net/feed/atom/ WordPress /wp-content/uploads/sites/1402621/2022/03/cropped-favicon-32x32.png On Behalf of St. Onge & Brouillard <![CDATA[How to handle a family business during divorce]]> https://www.stongeandbrouillard.net/?p=49283 2026-10-06T05:57:42Z 2026-10-06T05:57:42Z Connecticut courts can divide business interests in a divorce Connecticut follows an all-property equitable distribution model. That means the court may divide any property, including a business one spouse started before the marriage. The timing of the business, the way it grew during the marriage and each spouse’s contributions can all affect the outcome.

Valuation usually drives the rest of the discussion

Before the parties can negotiate or ask the court to divide the business, they usually need a reliable value. A dependable valuation often requires tax returns, financial statements and a formal appraisal and it may turn on assets, debts, cash flow and future earning potential. The same valuation concerns appear in many divorce cases involving business ownership, especially when one spouse disputes the company’s current worth or future earning power.

Common options for dividing a family business in divorce

Once the value is known, the spouses may have more than one path forward. Common options may include:
  • Selling the business and dividing the proceeds
  • Buying out the other spouse’s interest
  • Continuing to co-own the business after the divorce
A buyout may require financing that one spouse does not have available. Selling the business may resolve the dispute but also create tax consequences. Continuing to co-own the business may work when both spouses can still communicate and make business decisions without ongoing conflict.

The business records can shape what happens next

Beyond supporting the valuation, financial records can also help show each spouse’s role in the business during the marriage. Ownership records, profit-and-loss statements and other financial documents may help show who managed daily operations, invested funds or contributed to the company’s growth. When a closely held company becomes part of family law litigation, those records may also affect how the parties negotiate a buyout or present the issue to the court. A family law attorney can review the ownership structure and help identify which division method is realistic before negotiations begin or the case moves toward a hearing.]]> On Behalf of St. Onge & Brouillard <![CDATA[Can alimony be modified after a divorce is final?]]> https://www.stongeandbrouillard.net/?p=49280 2026-09-20T07:41:10Z 2026-09-20T07:41:10Z When can courts modify alimony? The person asking for the change must usually show that the facts have changed enough to justify a modification. A court may look at changes in income, employment, health or financial needs. If the court finds a substantial change, it may then adjust the alimony order.

What factors matter most?

Courts generally can modify alimony only if the moving party proves a substantial change in circumstances. The original judgment or settlement agreement may also limit or block modification. A party usually cannot change a court-ordered alimony obligation by informal agreement alone. When deciding a motion to modify alimony, the court may look at:
  • Changes in income
  • Changes in employment
  • Changes in health
  • Changes in financial needs
  • The wording of the original divorce judgment
These factors help the court decide if the change is big enough to modify alimony.

What about cohabitation?

Connecticut law has a separate rule for cohabitation. If the person receiving alimony lives with another person in a way that changes financial needs, the court may suspend, reduce or end alimony. Cohabitation alone is not always enough. The key issue is whether the living arrangement changes the recipient’s finances.

Can alimony be nonmodifiable?

Some divorce judgments or agreements say alimony cannot be modified or can be changed only in certain situations. The wording of the original order matters. A time-limited alimony award may also include special terms about duration or modification.

How do you request a modification?

To ask for a change, a party usually must file a post-judgment motion and present evidence of the changed circumstances. The court will review the original order, the new facts and the requested change. Because the divorce judgment can control the outcome, review it carefully before filing. A Connecticut family law attorney can help decide whether the facts support a request for modification.]]> by St. Onge & Brouillard <![CDATA[A closer look at the divorce timeline in Connecticut]]> https://www.stongeandbrouillard.net/?p=49277 2026-09-07T06:36:47Z 2026-09-07T06:36:47Z Connecticut’s divorce waiting period Divorce can feel like a long road, especially when both spouses are ready to move forward. In Connecticut, there is no general six-month or one-year waiting period. A contested divorce trial generally cannot begin until at least 90 days after the return date, while other cases may move forward sooner. The timeline can also depend on the circumstances of the case and whether the spouses agree on important matters, including:
  • Child support and parenting arrangements
  • Property and debt division
  • Spousal support
  • Marital assets and liabilities, such as property, bank accounts, investments, mortgages and other debts acquired during the marriage
When these issues are disputed, reaching a final agreement may take additional time.

Making room for understanding

Divorce is a serious decision, but it does not have to create lasting bitterness. Even when a marriage ends, showing empathy and respect toward each other can help reduce conflict and preserve peace within the family. A calmer approach may also make it easier to work through the divorce process and move forward with greater understanding.

The right support can make a difference

Divorce does not have to be one of life’s most difficult chapters. Support from trusted loved ones can help ease some of the emotional strain, while legal guidance can provide clarity about your rights, responsibilities and next steps. Speaking with an experienced divorce attorney may help you better understand the process and move forward with greater confidence.]]> by St. Onge & Brouillard <![CDATA[What to know after a nursing home medication error]]> https://www.stongeandbrouillard.net/?p=49272 2026-08-24T13:18:37Z 2026-08-24T13:18:37Z How medication errors happen and what signs to watch for Changes in lab results or vital signs, as well as an unexpected hospital visit, may signal an error. When unsafe care or poor staff training causes preventable harm, families may have grounds to pursue a legal claim or file a complaint with the state agency that oversees nursing home licensing. Common problems include:
  • Outdated medication records
  • Poor communication with doctors or pharmacies
  • Inadequate staff training or supervision
  • Understaffing and rushed medication rounds
  • Failure to track allergies or medication changes
Insulin, blood thinners, opioids and sedatives can cause serious harm when given incorrectly. A side effect alone does not prove negligence. A medication error claim generally requires showing that the facility owed the resident a duty of proper care, that it failed to meet that standard and that the failure caused actual harm and that the harm resulted in compensable damages. A legal professional can review the facts and evidence to assess the claim.

Evidence that can support a medication error claim

Comparing medical records against physician orders and nursing notes can reveal discrepancies that symptoms alone would not show. Important evidence may include:
  • Medication records: These identify the drug, dose and time of administration.
  • Physician orders: These document the originally prescribed drug and any treatment changes.
  • Pharmacy records: These may reveal errors in prescribing or dispensing.
  • Nursing notes: These track symptoms and changes in the resident's condition.
  • Incident reports: These document how the error was discovered and how staff responded.
Medication reconciliation records may reveal errors after a hospital stay or transfer. An outdated order can cause a missed dose, duplicate medication or continued use of a stopped drug. Staffing and training records may show whether poor practices contributed to the medical error. A medical professional can assess whether the error caused a hospital stay, worsened an existing condition or led to lasting harm.

What families can do after a nursing home medication error

Medication errors in nursing homes can cause serious and lasting harm. Connecticut law protects nursing home residents and requires facilities to follow proper care standards. When a medication error causes an injury, the facts may show whether the facility failed to meet those standards and whether a legal claim may apply. Connecticut law also sets deadlines for nursing home negligence claims. In most cases, a claim must be filed within two years after the injury is discovered or should have been discovered. A three-year limit may also apply. Prompt action can help preserve medical records and other key evidence]]> On Behalf of St. Onge & Brouillard <![CDATA[Who might be at fault in a crash with farm equipment?]]> https://www.stongeandbrouillard.net/?p=49270 2026-08-20T12:11:03Z 2026-08-20T12:11:03Z When could the farm operator be responsible? Farm equipment operators must use reasonable care when traveling on public roads. Connecticut also has specific requirements for lights and other equipment on certain farm vehicles. Depending on how the crash happened, questions may arise about whether the operator:
  • Used the lights or safety equipment required for the vehicle
  • Entered or crossed the roadway without enough care
  • Made a turn or other movement without taking reasonable precautions
The location and time of the crash can also matter, especially when visibility is limited. However, the farm operator's actions are only one part of determining fault.

Could the other drivers contribute to the crash?

A driver approaching slow-moving farm equipment must also use reasonable care. Trying to pass on a hill or curve can create a serious risk when the driver cannot see approaching traffic. Following too closely or driving too fast for road and visibility conditions may also contribute to a collision. Evidence from the crash can help show what each person was doing before impact. That becomes particularly important when both sides may have made mistakes.

What if both drivers contributed to the crash?

Connecticut uses a modified comparative negligence rule. An injured person may still recover damages when their own negligence is not greater than the combined negligence of the parties from whom they seek compensation. However, the amount they recover is reduced according to their percentage of fault. A farm equipment crash can involve more than the simple question of which vehicle caused the impact. Road conditions, visibility and each driver's actions can help determine how responsibility is ultimately divided.  ]]> On Behalf of St. Onge & Brouillard <![CDATA[3 disclosures to make before selling your home in Connecticut]]> https://www.stongeandbrouillard.net/?p=49268 2026-07-17T08:26:44Z 2026-07-17T08:26:44Z Property condition report Connecticut law requires most home sellers to complete a Property Condition Disclosure Report. This form asks specific questions about the property. Sellers must answer truthfully about structural problems, water damage, pest issues and other defects. Some sales are exempt from this requirement. These include foreclosures, estate sales and transfers between family members. However, most traditional home sales require this disclosure form. Failure to file this report or submitting false information may result in legal penalties.

Lead paint information

Homes built before 1978 require special attention. Under federal law, sellers must provide buyers with a lead paint disclosure. This informs buyers about any known lead paint in the home. Additionally, sellers must provide buyers with an EPA-approved pamphlet about lead hazards. Buyers have 10-day period to test for lead if needed. This disclosure applies even if the seller does not know whether lead paint exists. When uncertain, sellers must still comply.

Environmental hazards

Environmental hazards are dangers in or around the home that can harm health. Connecticut sellers must disclose known environmental problems to buyers. Common hazards include radon gas, asbestos, mold and underground oil tanks. Sellers who have tested for these issues must also share the results with buyers. Underground oil tanks present particular risks in Connecticut. Many older homes have buried heating oil tanks that can leak and contaminate surrounding soil. While Connecticut law requires disclosure of an underground oil tank's presence, state law does not mandate its testing or removal as a condition of sale. However, buyers' mortgage lenders or local town ordinances frequently require it.

Completing disclosures before the sale

Meeting disclosure requirements is a critical part of selling a home in Connecticut. Hiding problems does not make them disappear. Buyers will likely discover issues during their home inspection. Undisclosed defects can kill a sale or lead to lawsuits after closing. Transparency prevents problems down the road and helps sales close smoothly.]]> On Behalf of St. Onge & Brouillard <![CDATA[Paternity in divorce: What couples should know]]> https://www.stongeandbrouillard.net/?p=49266 2026-07-10T07:01:27Z 2026-07-10T07:01:27Z Realities of parental laws in Connecticut Under the Connecticut Parentage Act (CPA), family courts often look beyond strict biology to focus on realities of parenting. Here are some of the key factors you should know about paternity disputes, including:
  • Marital presumption: If a mother is married when a child is conceived or born, the husband is automatically presumed to be the legal father under state law. The marital presumption is strong even if the husband is not the biological parent.
  • DNA testing: Either spouse can request a court-ordered DNA test to prove paternity. If the test disproves a genetic link, the husband could be relieved of child support.
  • The de facto parent rule: Even if a DNA test disproves that the husband is not the biological father, the court might still deem him as a legal parent under CPA’s de facto parent provisions if he has acted as the child’s father for years and formed a meaningful bond.
Waiting until a divorce is finalized to raise paternity can be incredibly difficult. The final divorce judgment could decide legal parentage permanently. Therefore, making proactive legal decisions during this period is vital.

Taking the right steps

Facing a paternity dispute while going through a tough divorce can be an overwhelming and complex process. If you are facing a similar hurdle to protect the relationship with your children and your financial future, seeking the help of a skilled family law attorney could be highly beneficial.]]> On Behalf of St. Onge & Brouillard <![CDATA[How to prove a parent-like relationship as a grandparent]]> https://www.stongeandbrouillard.net/?p=49263 2026-06-24T15:10:25Z 2026-06-30T15:08:40Z If you have helped raise your grandchild like a parent, you hope to be a constant presence in their life. However, it can be heartbreaking to face the possibility of never seeing them again when their family dynamics shift.  While Connecticut law does allow some grandparents to ask for visitation, your relationship must meet certain legal requirements. Understanding these thresholds is crucial to protect your parental role and connection with your grandchild.

Defining a parent-like relationship

In Connecticut, courts look for a relationship that has transitioned from occasional visitor to functional parent. Key factors that a judge may examine include the following: 
  • Length and nature of your bond with your grandchild
  • Daily involvement with childcare tasks
  • Your eligibility for seeking visitation
  • Financial contributions to your grandchild’s needs
  • Extended cohabitation with your grandchild
This is a jurisdictional requirement that you need to prove before the court can even hear the merits of your case.

Proving significant harm

Even after you establish a deep, historic relationship, you also need to legally prove that denying visitation would cause emotional and mental distress to your grandchild. Connecticut courts have this secondary requirement to help ensure that parental authority is only overridden in extraordinary circumstances. A testimony from a child psychologist or mental health expert can help you prove that you are fit to parent your grandchild and that visitation is in their best interests. If your grandkid is around 12 to 13 years old and can independently express similar wishes, the court may also consider their input when making the final decision. 

Building a strong case for visitation

Securing visitation rights requires showing the depth of your relationship and the harm your grandchild could experience without ongoing contact. Seeking legal guidance can help you gather the right evidence to show why your bond with your grandchild matters.]]> On Behalf of St. Onge & Brouillard <![CDATA[Why do young drivers crash more often?]]> https://www.stongeandbrouillard.net/?p=49259 2026-06-19T19:13:06Z 2026-06-19T19:13:06Z Statistics make it clear that young drivers are more likely to be involved in serious accidents. Per mile driven, teenage drivers have the highest fatal crash rate of any age bracket. Although it is true that every individual accident is unique, there are some general reasons why this happens. It can be helpful for young drivers to understand them so they can proactively work to be safe, and other drivers also need to be aware of the risks they face from those around them on the road.

Making risky decisions

In some cases, the issue is that young drivers are more likely to make risky decisions, such as speeding, distracted driving or even impaired driving. Many of them do not wear seatbelts consistently, which can contribute to the high fatal car accident rate. There are also factors that can contribute to the likelihood of a crash in any individual case. Accidents are more likely with nighttime driving or weekend driving, for instance, and having other teen passengers in the car can raise the odds of an accident.

Lack of experience

Overall, teens are just more likely to make mistakes because they lack experience as drivers. They are still learning and developing the skills that they need to operate a vehicle safely. This sometimes means that teenagers will make mistakes or fail to recognize hazardous situations. An example could be a teenager who is driving far too fast for road conditions in inclement weather, simply because they do not fully understand the danger that creates for them and those around them.

Do you deserve compensation after an accident?

If you have been involved in an accident caused by a teen driver, and you or a loved one suffered serious injuries, it is important to look into all of your legal options to seek compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages, medical bills and more.  ]]> On Behalf of St. Onge & Brouillard <![CDATA[How mediation can help parents during custody disputes]]> https://www.stongeandbrouillard.net/?p=49246 2026-06-04T10:18:13Z 2026-06-04T10:18:13Z Mediation is a cooperative process Spouses must communicate with one another and discuss their wishes as they work toward a compromise. The need to communicate calmly and work together can reduce the level of conflict between the spouses. They can maintain a more amicable dynamic when they work together as co-parents instead of fighting against one another during divorce litigation. By cooperating with one another, they reduced how many conflicts their children witness and can potentially decrease the stress the divorce causes for the children.

Mediation enhances privacy

Parents have an opportunity to discuss deeply private matters in a confidential setting during mediation, which can allow for a more nuanced and appropriate final custody arrangement. They also retain control over the terms set. When spouses litigate, a judge decides what is in the children's best interests. When spouses settle custody disputes through mediation, they have the final say in the specific terms set for the family. Suggesting mediation as a means of resolving custody disagreements can be helpful for divorcing parents. Parents who take control of custody negotiations through mediation may ultimately feel more satisfied with the terms that they mutually set.]]>