St. Onge & BrouillardSt. Onge & Brouillard2026-05-23T08:00:12Zhttps://www.stongeandbrouillard.net/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1402621/2022/03/cropped-favicon-32x32.pngOn Behalf of St. Onge & Brouillard<![CDATA[Protecting children from an attractive nuisance]]>https://www.stongeandbrouillard.net/?p=492382026-05-23T08:00:12Z2026-05-23T08:00:12ZAn attractive nuisance is something that is inherently dangerous on a person’s property, especially if it is attractive to children. It also typically needs to be man-made, so something like a lake or a river usually would not qualify.
One example could be an in-ground pool built on a person’s property. Young children may find the pool intriguing and may even trespass onto the property to get to it. But they may not fully understand the danger they face, and there could be a drowning accident.Another example is an old refrigerator left sitting unattended on the property. If a child climbs inside, older model refrigerators often cannot be opened from the inside, so the child could become trapped.
Taking additional steps
If a property owner identifies something that qualifies as an attractive nuisance, they often need to take additional steps to keep children safe. Posting no trespassing signs can help, but even that is often not enough. Children do not understand property lines, and young children may not be able to read.With a pool, the property owner may need to put a fence around it. The fence should have a gate that locks automatically. This simple setup can be enough to keep a child from getting to the pool or being injured. It also helps show that the homeowner did everything they could to try to protect the local children, even if there is still an accident.For parents of children who have been injured on someone else’s property, understanding the attractive nuisance doctrine is very important, and it can help to work with an experienced personal injury attorney.
]]>On Behalf of St. Onge & Brouillard<![CDATA[3 questions about real estate easements]]>https://www.stongeandbrouillard.net/?p=492362026-05-11T18:52:14Z2026-05-11T18:52:14ZReal estate easements can sometimes lead to property use and access disputes. It is also important to consider how they work during a transaction, when a property is being purchased or sold.
Every situation is unique, and easements can be used for many different purposes. But below are three questions to help shed some understanding on the topic at this crucial time.
Does an easement pass from one owner to the next?
Yes, in some cases. An easement appurtenant, for example, is the type that “runs with the land.” Even if that land is sold to a new property owner, the easement is part of the property itself and still needs to be upheld after the transaction.
Can someone else permanently occupy the land?
No, an easement generally gives another party the ability to access the land, such as when two people have a shared driveway. But that third party is not allowed to permanently occupy the real estate, and they cannot make any significant alterations, such as building structures on the land.
Why are easements used?
Easements are often used to grant access. As noted above, a shared driveway may be used, especially if one plot of land is cut off from the main road. But easements are also used by utility companies and some government entities. Utility providers may have an easement allowing them to work on the land when running lines for electrical services, for example.Easements can be complex, and disputes sometimes arise when parties do not agree on how they should apply. Those involved in such disputes must know what legal options they have.
]]>On Behalf of St. Onge & Brouillard<![CDATA[What does a safe following distance really look like?]]>https://www.stongeandbrouillard.net/?p=492342026-04-27T20:16:53Z2026-04-27T20:16:53ZIf you have ever had someone tailgate you, you know how stressful it can be. You feel like you are always very close to being involved in a car accident, even when you are driving safely.
There are some cases in which drivers will tailgate intentionally. A driver may be angry with the vehicle ahead of them, so they tailgate to demonstrate their frustration or to try to get that driver to speed up. But there are also many cases in which drivers tailgate unintentionally, as they are simply not aware of what a safe following distance looks like, and they think they are driving safely.
3 seconds of space
In most cases, in good weather conditions, the ideal following distance is about three seconds. There is a delay in reaction time, and it takes drivers about 1.5 seconds to begin applying the brakes after they recognize that traffic is slowing. So if a driver always has three seconds of space, they are going to have enough time to react and stop their vehicle before causing a rear-end accident.People will sometimes talk about measuring the physical distance, such as leaving a certain number of car lengths between vehicles. This can be useful, but counting off the seconds is often better because it means the physical distance automatically adjusts at higher speeds. A larger gap between vehicles is necessary at 55 miles per hour than it is at 25 miles per hour, so the same number of car lengths may not be effective — but three seconds typically is.
Have you been involved in a rear-end accident?
Even if you always avoid tailgating and maintain a safe following distance, other drivers could cause serious accidents leading to whiplash, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones and much more. You may be able to seek financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages and other damages.
]]>On Behalf of St. Onge & Brouillard<![CDATA[Equitable distribution: What is it and why does it matter?]]>https://www.stongeandbrouillard.net/?p=492322026-04-14T13:47:41Z2026-04-14T13:47:41ZWhat equitable distribution means in Connecticut
In Connecticut, courts split your property using equitable distribution. This refers to a fair, but not necessarily equal, division of your assets during a divorce. A fair distribution can help financially vulnerable spouses maintain their pre-divorce lifestyle.
Connecticut follows an all-property approach when dividing assets. This means the court may divide any assets that either spouse owns. This includes assets you owned before marriage or received as gifts.
How do judges decide what is fair?
To determine fairness when dividing assets, courts examine each case individually. Many factors can affect the judge’s final ruling, including:
The duration of your marriage and the reasons for its dissolution
The age, health, education and ability to work of each spouse
The income, occupation and earning ability of each spouse
The ability of each spouse to acquire new assets or income
The assets and debts of each spouse
The contributions each spouse made to acquiring or maintaining assets
How a judge splits property is different for every marriage. For example, you might receive a larger share if you sacrificed your career to support your spouse’s. On the other hand, you might receive a smaller share if you earned more than your spouse throughout your marriage.
Moving forward after a divorce
Understanding Connecticut’s divorce process and the role equitable distribution plays can help you secure a fair share of property. This makes it easier to maintain a good standard of living after separating from your spouse. By staying informed, you can plan for the future and start anew after a divorce.]]>On Behalf of St. Onge & Brouillard<![CDATA[Common property title issues that can delay your closing]]>https://www.stongeandbrouillard.net/?p=492302026-03-24T03:03:13Z2026-03-24T03:03:13ZCommon reasons for title delays
A title search reveals the history of your property. Sometimes, this search uncovers errors from years ago that you did not know existed. In our region, several common issues tend to appear during the closing process:
Unreleased mortgages from previous owners that the town never recorded as paid
Boundary line disputes with neighbors regarding fences or driveways
Missing signatures from heirs in past probate cases
Errors in public records or incorrect legal descriptions
If you find a defect, do not panic. Most title issues are solvable through careful documentation and legal navigation. You should first check your original title insurance policy.
This insurance may provide legal defense or financial coverage for certain covered defects that existed before you purchased the property. Every policy has specific exclusions, so reviewing the details is a necessary step.
The process of clearing a title
Clearing a title involves proving that you are the sole owner and that no one else has a claim to the land. This often requires working with surveyors to verify boundaries or tracking down old bank records. In some cases, an attorney may file an action to settle title under Connecticut General Statutes. This legal step allows a court to officially determine the validity of competing interests in the property.
Seeking legal guidance
Understanding real estate law ensures that your property rights remain secure. If you encounter a complex boundary dispute or an old lien, a legal professional can help you find a path forward. Resolving these matters correctly the first time prevents future headaches for both you and the next owner.]]>On Behalf of St. Onge & Brouillard<![CDATA[2 FAQ about Connecticut child support]]>https://www.stongeandbrouillard.net/?p=492282026-03-11T09:26:44Z2026-03-11T09:26:44ZCan I change my child support amount?
If you or your child experiences a substantial change in circumstances, you can file a modification request with the court that issued your original order. These qualifying changes may include any of the following:
A notable change in your income (at least 15%)
An involuntary job loss
A disability that affects your finances
A change in your parenting time or custody arrangements
An increase in your child’s education or healthcare costs
Any modification must be in your child’s best interests. This means you must prove the reason for the request and include documents to support your case.
While your case is pending, you may file a temporary order that can grant specific parental rights for a limited time (typically 30 to 90 days). This ensures that your child can have stability while final decisions are still in progress.
How long do I have to pay for child support?
Under Connecticut law, if you are an obligor (the parent legally bound to make court-ordered payments), you must pay child support until your youngest child graduates from high school or turns 19, whichever happens first. However, there are exceptions:
If your child has a disability, the court may extend your support order.
If you and your ex-spouse agree to contribute to college costs, your obligations may continue until the child reaches 23.
Support obligations may also end early if your child marries or serves in the military before they turn 18.
By learning the answers to two common questions about child support in Connecticut, you can become more familiar with the process and debunk any myths that cause unnecessary worry.]]>On Behalf of St. Onge & Brouillard<![CDATA[Why collaborative divorce works for high-conflict professionals]]>https://www.stongeandbrouillard.net/?p=492262026-02-13T15:58:39Z2026-03-05T15:57:50ZProtecting your professional reputation
Traditional divorce can be emotionally and mentally exhausting due to numerous court appearances. Your private family matters fall under public scrutiny. If you seek privacy and less stress, collaborative divorce may be an option that can work for you and your spouse. Instead of litigation, both parties settle legal disputes through private negotiation.
Upholding the participation agreement
In Connecticut, collaborative divorce requires parties and their lawyers to sign a participation agreement. You formally agree that if the process breaks down and someone heads to court, both lawyers must withdraw. Because your attorney cannot represent you in a future courtroom battle, everyone is financially and professionally motivated to stay at the table and solve the problem.
Shifting to a problem-solving approach
Because of the participation agreement, collaborative divorce pushes you to negotiate based on interests. This framework incentivizes both parties to lay everything on the table and be transparent with one another.
You also have the option to build a team of professionals, including a financial neutral or child specialist. They can help you build negotiations based on data-driven solutions that benefit both parties.
Maintaining career performance
Unlike court dates, collaborative meetings are scheduled around your professional obligations. This prevents the loss of productivity and income that occurs when depositions or hearings constantly demand your attention and presence.
Controlling the outcome, not just the conflict
As a professional, your career, children and assets are at stake. Choosing a collaborative approach can help you mitigate risks. If you are ready to protect your legacy while ending your marriage, seeking legal counsel is the first step to move forward.]]>On Behalf of St. Onge & Brouillard<![CDATA[Determining fault in a 3-car rear-end collision in Connecticut]]>https://www.stongeandbrouillard.net/?p=492212026-02-06T10:59:42Z2026-02-06T07:15:02ZYou're stopped at a red light when suddenly the car behind you slams forward and pushes you into the vehicle ahead. Now you face damage to both ends of your car and mounting medical bills. With three drivers involved in the accident, you wonder: Who pays whom?
Understanding Connecticut’s fault system
To answer that question, you need to understand how Connecticut determines liability. Connecticut uses modified comparative negligence to determine fault. This means you can recover damages if you're less than 51% at fault in an accident.However, you should also note that your compensation decreases by your fault percentage. In a three-car pileup, this law helps sort out each driver's responsibility and potential recovery.
When the last driver is at-fault
In most cases, the rear driver carries the blame. Under Connecticut laws, drivers must maintain a reasonable and prudent distance. If the third car failed to stop and caused both collisions, that driver typically bears full responsibility. As the middle driver, you then become a victim because the third car pushed you into the car ahead. The rear driver's negligence directly caused your predicament.
When you might share the blame
That said, fault isn't always clear-cut in car crashes. If you hit the first car before the third car even hits you, you likely share responsibility. Following the car at front too closely violates safe driving rules. In this scenario, both you and the rear driver contributed to the collision.
When the driver in front may be liable
Beyond the middle and rear drivers, the front driver can also bear responsibility. If they brake-checked you or had broken brake lights, they may contribute to the accident. These actions can make stopping safely impossible, even when you maintain proper distance.
How your fault percentage affects your claim
Understanding who's at fault matters because your fault percentage directly impacts your recovery. If you carry 20% of the fault, you'll receive only 80% of your damages. Additionally, Connecticut's rule also bars recovery if you carry 51% or more of the responsibility. Given these complexities, consulting a personal injury attorney can help you understand your situation. An attorney can evaluate the evidence, determine fault percentages and maximize your potential compensation.]]>On Behalf of St. Onge & Brouillard<![CDATA[Can worn brakes increase your risk of a car accident?]]>https://www.stongeandbrouillard.net/?p=492232026-01-20T21:22:30Z2026-01-20T21:22:30ZHow worn brakes increase your chances of an accident
Worn brakes that go unrepaired can certainly cause further damage to your car, but they can also increase the risk of being involved in an accident. Here’s how:
Worn brake pads can lead to longer stopping distances, meaning you may not be able to bring your car under control to avoid an accident.
Lost braking efficiency prevents you from effectively hitting the brakes hard when you need to quickly slow down or stop to avoid a crash.
Brake slippage can cause your vehicle to vibrate which, in turn, may cause your vehicle to drift.
Poorly maintained brakes can potentially lead to catastrophic system failure, preventing you from braking at all.
Bad brakes can lead to a devastating wreck that can reshape your life, leaving you with extensive pain, suffering and financial losses. While you can’t completely protect yourself from negligent and reckless drivers out on the road, properly maintaining your brakes can certainly give you an extra layer of protection. So, be sure to stay on top of vehicle maintenance so that you protect yourself as much as possible.
Take action if you’ve been injured in a car accident
If you’ve been injured in a wreck caused by someone else’s negligence, then you should consider taking legal action in hopes of finding accountability and recovering compensation. We know that can be a stressful process to think about, but your personal injury attorney can help you navigate your claim to maximize your chances of winning and reclaiming the life that was unfairly taken from you.]]>On Behalf of St. Onge & Brouillard<![CDATA[How Connecticut courts decide visitation schedules for parents]]>https://www.stongeandbrouillard.net/?p=492192026-01-15T09:34:58Z2026-01-15T09:34:58ZWhen parents no longer share a household, time with your child often becomes the hardest issue to sort out. In Connecticut, visitation schedules do not follow a fixed chart or formula. Judges focus on how a proposed schedule fits into a child’s daily life, especially when parents live in different towns or follow different routines. Knowing what courts look for can help you see why some visitation plans move forward while others raise concerns.
The best interests of the child guide every decision
Connecticut courts base visitation decisions on what best supports a child’s stability and growth. In fact, studies suggest that about 60% of custody decisions favor the best interests of a child rather than parental preferences. This standard also looks beyond what feels fair to each parent and focuses on practical impact. For example, a judge may consider whether a child in Woodstock can manage early mornings if midweek visits require long drives or late returns. A schedule that disrupts sleep or school performance may raise red flags.Courts also look at how well parents communicate. Plans with frequent exchanges may work when parents cooperate but can create stress when conflict remains high. In some visitation rights cases, having legal support can help present these everyday details clearly so the court understands how a proposed schedule would function in real life.
Factors judges review when setting visitation
Judges examine several concrete factors before approving a visitation schedule. These details help the court predict whether a plan can remain consistent over time:
The child’s age and school schedule
The work hours and weekly availability of each parent
The travel distance between homes in northeastern Connecticut
The past involvement in daily care and school activities
Reviewing these points allows the court to shape a schedule that reflects the child’s routine instead of relying on a one-size approach. After weighing them, a judge may approve alternating weekends, weekday visits or longer blocks during school breaks.
A schedule that fits real family life
Visitation works best when it mirrors how your child already lives and learns. By focusing on routines, logistics and stability, Connecticut courts aim to create schedules that support children long term and reduce ongoing conflict for parents.]]>