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
Trust Asset
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
Preparing Graduates for College – Powers of Attorney, Health Care Proxies, and FERPA
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
TEN FACTS ABOUT DCF: Investigations, Substantiations and Appeals
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
What to know about making an “over-ask” offer to purchase real estate
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
Using Prejudgment Remedies Effectively in Connecticut Business Disputes
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
A Legal Guide for Teens: Tickets, License Suspensions, and Avoiding Trouble
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
Real Property Disclosures: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know
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
New Home Buyers: The Role of the Attorney
By Bradd Robbins, Esq. If you are buying your first home in Connecticut, your attorney will work with you and protect you in many ways. These include, but are not limited to, the following: Purchase Contract. In Connecticut, some real estate agents will have you sign broker prepared, form contracts. For a single-family home, the broker prepared contracts typically cover the basic items that a contract should Read More
Residential Real Estate Contract Terms Defined
By Katherine M. Macol, Esq. The 2026 spring residential housing market is upon us. In addition to the purchase price, there are key provisions to be familiar with before signing a contract for the sale or purchase of a home: PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: The property description identifies more than just the property address to be transferred in accordance with the contract. A property description is obtained from the Read More

