By: Tom Bucci Esq. In Connecticut, most employees are considered at-will employees unless they have: A written employment contract, A union collective bargaining agreement, or Another agreement that limits termination. In simplest terms, being an at-will employee generally means: Your employer may end your employment at any time. It does not need to give notice. It may do so for almost any Read More

By: James A. Lenes Esq. In Connecticut business litigation, when possible, plaintiff’s attorneys will add a count alleging a violation of the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act ("CUTPA"). The benefit of including a CUTPA claim is that it enables the plaintiff to seek recovery of its attorney’s fees and punitive damages when the defendant’s alleged conduct is intentional, reckless, unethical or Read More

By: Heidi McGee Esq. Recently, our LegalShield Department has seen a noticeable uptick in requests for consultations on Estate Planning matters, particularly as pertains to whether one’s circumstances recommend forming a Trust as a part of that Estate Plan. However, before assessing whether a Trust is a good fit, the conversation inevitably turns to whether or not the individual has a Last Will and Testament in Read More

By: Mark Middlen, Esq. Parties, whether married or unmarried, have a financial responsibility for their minor children.  That financial responsibility does not change if the parties split up.  However, many times, the custodial parent is left to face that financial burden alone.  At times like that you need Willinger, Willinger & Bucci, PLLC.  For years, Willinger, Willinger & Bucci, PLLC. has been Read More

By: Katherine Macol, Esq. Notices of preliminary real property tax assessments are being sent by the following Connecticut  municipalities:  Ashford, Beacon Falls, Bridgeport, Clinton, Colebrook, Deep River, Durham, East Hampton, Derby, Ellington, Fairfield, Greenwich, Haddam, Hartland, Ledyard, Marlborough, Meriden, Middlebury, Milford, Newington, New Milford, North Stonington, Plymouth, Salisbury, Shelton, Read More

An unexpected injury can leave you overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next, all on top of dealing with a great deal of pain. While rest and recovery are extremely important, it’s also crucial to make sure you explore and exercise your legal rights. The steps you take right after an accident can affect your health, your finances, and any civil claim you may pursue. Our Stratford, CT personal injury lawyer often sees Read More

By: Carolyn Lenoci, Esq. Summary process is the legal process by which a landlord evicts a residential or commercial tenant, or even one who never had a right to occupy the premises. Summary process is intended to be quick so that landlords can regain possession of their property and re-rent to paying or “good” tenants. Quick, however, does not mean simple. The summary process is highly technical, and any procedural Read More

An owner’s policy of title insurance insures that as of the date of the policy the owner owns the property free of any claim, lien or encumbrance except those noted on the policy.  If this information is incorrect and a claim against ownership is made, the title insurance company pays the cost of attorney’s fees to defend the owner against the claim.  If the claim is valid, the title company will either pay the Read More

By: Robert B. Bellitto WHAT IS A TRUST? In simplest terms, a trust is an instrument that directs the distribution of assets and income. It is further defined by state statute (C.G.S. Section 802c) and more recently, the Connecticut Uniform Trust Code (Public Act No. 19-137) which became effective January 1, 2020.  WHO ARE THE PARTIES TO A TRUST? All trusts have three primary parties: SETTLOR (a/k/a GRANTOR or Read More

Connecticut doesn't have a traditional "three strikes" law like California or other states. But don't let that fool you. The consequences for repeat offenders can be just as severe, sometimes worse. Under Connecticut law, prosecutors can seek enhanced penalties when someone has prior felony convictions. This classification falls under what's known as persistent offender status. It dramatically changes the sentencing Read More