By James A. Lenes, Esq. Under Connecticut law, parties to a commercial contract generally bear their own attorney’s fees absent a statute or contractual provision providing otherwise. Consequently, attorney’s fees provisions are common in commercial agreements and are routinely enforced when they are clearly drafted and reflect the parties’ intent. Contract  language providing that a prevailing party is Read More

By Chris DeMatteo There is an old saying that one person’s trash is another person’s treasure. With spring cleaning, moves and other home projects underway, many people put unwanted items out on the curb to be picked up by garbage collectors or anyone willing to take it. But what does the law say about this time-honored part of the social compact? The Fourth Amendment does prohibit the warrantless search and seizure Read More

By Robbins, Bradd, Esq. Every real estate purchase requires a title search to confirm that the seller of the property is the actual owner, and to determine if there are any mortgages or liens that must be paid and satisfied by the seller.  The title search also reveals restrictions or easements on the property, as well as any surprises, such as missing heirs and unpaid taxes.  Over the past few years, it has also Read More

By Robert B. Bellitto, Jr., Esq. Signing a trust agreement without physically transferring assets into the trust is like putting on your socks but forgetting your shoes. Assets are NOT automatically transferred into your trust just because you signed it. Here are some helpful tips on how to transfer the most common types of assets into your trust. Change the title of your checking and savings accounts and Read More

By Heidi McGee, Esq. Under Connecticut law, parents of a graduating high school senior who has turned eighteen, or will soon turn eighteen, and who is heading off to college or other otherwise on the threshold of adulthood and pursuing post-graduation opportunities (hereinafter referred to as the “student” for simplicity’s sake) should consider having the student execute (1) a durable power of attorney and (2) a Read More

By Christopher DeMatteo, Esq. The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is Connecticut’s child protection agency. It has the legal authority to investigate and to take administrative and legal actions against individuals and families. Attorney Christopher DeMatteo of the law firm Willinger, Willinger & Bucci in Shelton has written this  legal guide to describe the processes and rights available in DCF Read More

By Katherine Macol, Esq. There is no doubt that the current housing market is a seller’s market. There are more buyers than homes available. Buyers are commonly facing bidding wars and “over ask” purchase offers are becoming the norm. While is it easy to get caught up in the frenzy, it is important to consider your budget, market conditions and, if financing is a requirement, be sure to familiarize yourself with Read More

Connecticut’s prejudgment remedy (“PJR”) procedures provide litigants with a powerful mechanism to secure assets before final judgment and to preserve the collectability of commercial claims. In business disputes involving unpaid obligations and contract disputes, an effective PJR strategy can substantially alter the leverage and trajectory of litigation. Under Connecticut law, a plaintiff may seek attachment, Read More

By Christopher DeMatteo Earning a driver's license is a rite of passage. Receiving a ticket is another. It takes time and effort to get a license, but it can take just one mistake to lose it. This guide covers the offenses that can trigger driver's license suspensions in Connecticut, with particular attention to young drivers and their parents. The state passed these penalties to deter unsafe behavior, but the Read More

By Katherine M. Macol, Esq. In Connecticut, there are certain disclosure forms that a seller and buyer are required to execute in connection with entering into a contract for the sale and purchase of a home.  These disclosures must be attached to the contract, provide valuable information to a prospective buyer concerning the home and, if applicable, include the following: Residential Condition Property Disclosure: Read More