Arnold H. Rutkin

“Clients typically come to me because of my trial experience. Most people want to settle their cases, but having a trial lawyer and creative negotiator at their side frequently results in the best settlements.”

Arnold Rutkin Photo

Arnold H. Rutkin

Of Counsel
  • Profile
  • Credentials
  • Associations
  • Community Involvement

Arnold Rutkin is one of the most accomplished and influential divorce lawyers in Connecticut who has made broad and valuable contributions to the legal community. Throughout his career, Arnold has used his great skills of practical judgment, strategy and creativity in representing clients in divorce cases involving complex financial, custody, child support, prenuptial agreements, alimony, and asset division disputes. At the inception of the Law Offices of Arnold H. Rutkin in 1982, Arnold began the task of building a law firm which would bear his name and would consist of a team of highly experienced lawyers and support staff committed to excellence in the practice of family law. Over the years, Arnold has guided his firm to be a truly selective boutique. He insists on handling fewer cases than most family law firms in the state, stressing client involvement and committing a dedicated legal team to each individual client. The team practice ensures that there is a focus on strategy and preparation for all contingencies.

Arnold has published prolifically in the field of family law. For more than a decade, Arnold was editor-in-chief of Family Advocate, the American Bar Association’s flagship national publication on family law. He also founded and was Executive Editor of Connecticut Family Lawyer, the official newsletter of the Family Law Section of the Connecticut Bar Association. Among his best known publications is the three-volume Connecticut Family Law and Practice, Volumes 7, 8 and 8A, which he co-authored with Sarah Oldham and Kathleen Hogan. Published by West Publishing, this handbook for lawyers and judges on domestic relations matters in Connecticut is often cited by trial judges, the Appellate Court and the Supreme Court of Connecticut.

Arnold has a noteworthy record of family law advocacy. As a member of the Executive Committee of the Connecticut Bar Association, Arnold testified at a state public hearing on a bill concerning the relocation of parents with custody of a minor child. The resulting 2006 statute requires the relocating parent to prove that relocation is in the best interest of the child. During the 2012 and 2013 legislative sessions, Arnold was instrumental in forming a coalition which succeeded in defeating draconian alimony reform efforts made by other groups.

Arnold strongly believes in giving back to the community. He is on the Board of Directors of the Center for Children’s Advocacy, an organization dedicated to fighting for the legal rights of Connecticut’s most vulnerable children. He is a charter member of the Foundation of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and serves on its Executive Committee. The formation of the Foundation has helped hundreds of children nationwide who are victims of domestic violence, abandonment, and parental drug and alcohol abuse and mental illness.

Education
  • Boston University, J.D. - 1964
  • University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business, B.S. – 1961
  • State of Connecticut Guardian ad Litem/Attorney for Minor Children Training Course, 2012

Bar Admissions

  • Connecticut, 1966
  • U.S. Supreme Court, 1973

Associations
Connecticut Bar Association

  • Executive Committee, Family Law Section, 1978 – present
  • Secretary-Treasurer, 1981 – 1982
  • Vice-Chairman, 1983 – 1984
  • Chairman, 1985 – 1986

American Bar Association

  • Family Law Section
  • Taxation Committee, 1982
  • Continuing Legal Education Committee, 1982 – 1987
  • Family Advocate, Editor-in-Chief, 1987 – 1997
  • Chairperson, Bylaw Committee Revision, 1984 – 1985

Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association

  • Secretary-Treasurer and Second Vice President, 1970 – 1972
  • Member, Board of Governors, 1978 – 1984

The Association of Trial Lawyers of America, member, 1977 – 1987

  • Vice-Chairman, 1983 – 1985
  • Chairman, 1985 – 1987

American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers

  • Fellow, 1984-present
  • Member, Board of Governors, 2003-2009
  • Chair, Sales and Marketing Committee, 2006 – present
  • President, Connecticut Chapter, 2011 – 2012
  • Member, Alimony Committee, Connecticut Chapter, 2011 – 2014

American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Foundation

  • Lifetime and Founding Member, 1990 – present
  • Board of Directors, 2006 – present
  • President, 2013 - 2015
    Awards
    • Best Lawyers 2023 - Rutkin
      Best Lawyers 2023 - Rutkin
    Community Involvement

    Connecticut Practice Series
    Family Law and Practice
    Co‑Author, 3 volumes
    West Publishing Company (1991) Updated yearly
    Cited by the Appellate Court and the Supreme Court of Connecticut

    Family Advocate Magazine ‑ American Bar Association
    Member, Board of Editors (1984 ‑ 1997)
    Editor‑In‑Chief (1987 ‑ 1997)
    "When Prenuptial Contracts are Challenged in Court" (Winter 1984)
    "Examining the Mental Health Expert" Vol. 30, No. 4 (Spring 2008)
    Editor’s Column (1989 – 1994)

    Connecticut Family Lawyer ‑ Connecticut Bar Association, Family Law Section
    Founder and Executive Editor 1986 ‑ Present
    "Rutkin’s Rubric" regular quarterly column

    Matrimonial and Family Law Practice
    General Editor
    Matthew Bender Co., Inc. (1985)

    ABA Journal
    "Away from Home" (October 1992, p. 94)

    Minnesota Family Law Journal
    "Factors in Selection and Examination of a Psychiatrist in a Matrimonial Case" (1991)

    American Journal of Family Law
    "Representing Minor Children in Domestic Proceedings ‑ Ethical Considerations" (Summer 1987)

    Practical Divorce Valuation and Financial Analysis
    "Analysis of Tax Returns in Matrimonial Actions" (1986)

    Connecticut Family Law Journal
    "Pendente Lite Exclusive Possession of the Matrimonial Home ‑ Grounds for Relief" (July 1985)

    Valuation and Distribution of Marital Property ‑ Matthew Bender (1984)
    "Valuation of Closely Held Corporations" (Vol. 2, Chapter 22)

    Trial Magazine
    "Domestic Relations Litigation: Tax Aspects" (June 1980)
    Co‑Author "Lay Witnesses Can Value Assets" (Vol. 22, No. 6, p.33, June 1986)

    The Connecticut Law Tribune
    “The Myth of Alimony Reform” (2012)

    Connecticut Law Tribune
    “Where Have All The Flowers Gone?” (2013)

    Connecticut Law Tribune
    “Connecticut Supreme Court Restricts Alimony, Limits Discretion” (with Alexander J. Cuda (January 2015)

    Lectures/Written Materials/Moderator/Producer of Continuing of Legal Education Programs and Special Programs

    Association of Trial Lawyers of America
    Tax Consequences of Marital Dissolution and Settlements, Houston, Texas 1979

    Connecticut Bar Association, Family Law Section,
    Pension and Profit Sharing Provisions 1979

    Association of Trial Lawyers of America
    Advanced College of Advocacy, Yale 1980

    Association of Trial Lawyers of America
    Cross Examination of a Psychiatrist, Montreal 1980

    Association of Trial Lawyers of America
    Advanced College of Advocacy, Reno, Nevada 1980

    Association of Trial Lawyers of America
    Tax Consequences of Property Transfers
    Second Circuit Meeting, New York City 1980

    Maryland Trial Lawyers Association
    Tax Consequences of Property Transfers,
    Baltimore, Maryland 1981

    Trial Lawyers Association
    Tax Consequences of Property Settlements
    San Francisco, California 1981

    North Caroline Academy of Trial Lawyers
    Tax Planning for Equitable Distribution and Property Transfers, Valuation of Closely Held Corporations and Pension Plans 1981

    Connecticut Bar Association, Family Law Section
    Tax Considerations in Family Law  1982

    Association of Trial Lawyers of America
    Evaluation of a Closely Held Corporation, Toronto, Canada 1982

    American Bar Association, Family Law Section
    Law in the Fifty States 1983 ‑ 1985

    Connecticut Bar Association, Family Law Section
    Direct and Cross‑Examination of the Financial Affidavit 1983

    Association of Trial Lawyers of America
    Equitable Division of Degrees and Licenses
    Washington, D.C. 1983

    American Bar Association, Family Law Section
    Valuation of a Closely Held Business
    Atlanta, Georgia  1983

    Association of Trial Lawyers of America
    College of Advocacy, Reno, Nevada 1983

    Connecticut Bar Association, Family Law Section
    Divorce Taxation Program 1983

    Association of Family Conciliation Courts
    Panelist, Williamsburg, Virginia 1983

    Divorce Law Education Institute
    Valuation of a Closely Held Business for Purposes of Divorce, Vail, Colorado 1984

    State Bar of South Dakota
    Financial Affidavits and Discovery
    Valuation of Closely Held Business
    Pension Plans and Professional Degrees
    Trial Techniques
    Tax Consequences 1984

    Connecticut Bar Association, Family law Section
    Custody: Litigation or Liberation 1984

    Association of Trial Lawyers of America
    Divorce Taxation
    Annual Convention, Chicago, Illinois 1984

    American Bar Association, Family Law Section
    Pension Evaluation
    Annual Convention, Chicago, Illinois 1984

    Connecticut Bar Association, Family Law Section
    Examination of the Pension Expert 1984

    Divorce Law Education Institute
    How to Understand, Use and Examine Income Tax Returns, Vail, Colorado 1985

    American Bar Association, Family Law Section
    Pension Benefits and Entitlement:
    Litigation Techniques and Considerations Mid‑Year Convention, Detroit, Michigan 1985

    Law Education Institute
    How to Understand, Use and Examine Income Tax Returns in Divorce Cases
    Orlando, Florida 1985

    Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association
    Domestic Torts and Evidentiary Issues in Domestic Litigation 1985

    Association of Trial Lawyers of America
    College of Advocacy, Harvard 1985

    American Bar Association, Family Law Section
    Custody: Litigation and Liberation
    Annual Convention, Washington, D.C. 1985

    Association of Trial Lawyers of America
    Divorce Taxation
    Annual Convention, Washington, D.C. 1985

    Connecticut Bar Association, Family Law Section
    Litigation Techniques 1985

    Law Education Institute
    Evidentiary Issues in Family Law
    Vail, Colorado 1985

    Connecticut Bar Association, Family Law Section
    "Back to Basics"  1986

    Association of Trial Lawyers of America
    Preparation and Use of a Trial Notebook
    College of Advocacy, Bridgeport, Connecticut  1986

    American Bar Association, Family Law Section
    "Hot Tips from the Experts"
    Annual Convention, New York, New York 1986

    Connecticut Bar Association, Family Law Section
    Making the Most of your Family Practice  1986

    Law Education Institute
    Evidentiary Issues in Divorce Cases
    Highlights from the ABA ‑ Hot Tips Program
    Vail, Colorado  1987

    American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
    Examination of an Accountant of a Closely
    Held Corporation 1987

    Connecticut Bar Association, Family Law Section
    What’s New in Family Law Procedure and Practice 1987

    American Bar Association, Family Law Section
    "Hot Tips from the Experts"
    Annual Convention, San Francisco, California 1987

    Law Education Institute
    "Hot Tips from the Experts", Vail, Colorado 1988

    Law Education Institute
    "Hot Tips from the Experts", Orlando, Florida 1988

    Connecticut Bar Association, Family Law Section
    "Second Look Doctrine"
    Alimony Symposium 1988

    New Mexico Bar Association, Family Law Section
    "Hot Tips from the Experts" 1988

    Connecticut Divorce Practice Seminar
    Analysis, Preparation and Trial Techniques of a Mental Health Professional in Custody Cases 1988

    American Bar Association, Family Law Section
    "Hot Tips from the Experts"
    Annual Convention, Toronto, Canada 1988

    Law Education Institute
    "Hot Tips from the Experts", Vail, Colorado 1989

    Connecticut Bar Association, Family Law Section
    "Preparing Financial Affidavits" 1989

    Connecticut Divorce Practice Seminar
    Analysis of Tax Returns in Matrimonial Actions 1989

    American Bar Association, Family Law Section
    "Hot Tips from the Experts"
    Annual Convention, Honolulu, Hawaii 1989

    Law Education Institute
    Factors in Selection and Examination of a Psychiatrist in a Matrimonial Case
    Orlando, Florida 1990

    American Bar Association, Family Law Section
    "Hot Tips from the Experts"
    Annual Convention, Chicago, IL  1990

    American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
    Connecticut Chapter
    An Advanced Seminar on Matrimonial Law
    "Financial Affidavits ‑ Proper and Improper Information", "Speaking Affidavit" 1991

    American Bar Association, Family Law Section
    How to Try a Family Law Case: Trial Preparation, Strategy, Tactics, Techniques and Evidence 1991

    American Bar Association, Family law Section
    "Hot Tips from the Experts"
    Annual Convention, Atlanta, Georgia 1991

    Connecticut Bar Association, Family Law Section
    Domestic Relations Basic Practice Series 1991

    SEAK, Inc. National Custody Seminar
    "Emergency Relief" and "Relocation Issues"
    Hyannis, Massachusetts  1992

    American Bar Association, Family Law Section
    "Hot Tips from the Experts"
    Annual Convention, San Francisco, CA 1992

    Connecticut Bar Association, Family Law Section
    Domestic Relations Basic Practice Series 1993

    American Bar Association, Family Law Section
    "Hot Tips from the Experts"
    Annual Convention, New York, NY 1993

    American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
    "The Disabled Client and Witness"
    St. Thomas, VI 1993

    South Carolina Bar Association
    Evaluation of Closely Held Corporations,  Pensions 1993

    Connecticut Bar Association, Family Law Section
    "Domestic Relations Basic Practice Series" 1994

    American Bar Association, Family Law Section
    Gay and Lesbian Custody & Visitation Issues Family Advocate Presents: "Gender Bias/ Gender Fairness.. Where Are We Now?"
    "Hot Tips from the Experts"
    Annual Meeting, New Orleans 1994

    Connecticut Bar Association, Family Law Section
    Domestic Relations Basic Practice Series 1995 & 2004

    American Bar Association, Family Law Section
    "Hot Tips from the Experts"
    Annual Convention, Chicago 1995

    American Bar Association, Family Law Section
    "Computer Hot Tips"
    Spring Meeting, Williamsburg, Virginia 1996

    American Bar Association, Family Law Section
    "Hot Tips from the Experts"
    Annual Convention, Orlando, Florida 1997

    American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
    Connecticut Chapter, Biennial Seminar
    Child Support In High Income Cases
    "Relocation" and "Arbitration" 2001

    Connecticut Bar Association, Family Law Section
    "The Bulletproof Financial Affidavit"
    Spring Seminar 2003

    American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
    Connecticut Chapter, Monthly Meeting
    "Premarital and Post Marital Agreements in Connecticut" 2004

    Connecticut Bar Association, Family Law Section
    Trial Advocacy Institute
    "The Art of Advocacy" 2005

    American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
    Connecticut Chapter, Biennial Seminar
    Complex Issues in Family Law ‑ How to Handle
    Tricky Issues and Sticky Situations
    "Hot Tips from the Experts" 2005

    Connecticut Bar Association, Annual Meeting
    Estates and Probate Section (Invitee)
    "Prenuptial Agreements in Connecticut in Light of Civil Unions" 2006

    American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers,
    Connecticut Chapter
    Discovery Issues: Including the Use of Depositions,
    Requests to Produce, Interrogatories, Requests to Admit, Examination of the Opposing Party and Obtaining Expert and Psychiatric Reports 2007

    American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers,
    Connecticut Chapter
    Chair, Benefit Seminar for Connecticut Legal
    Aid Services 2009

    American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers,
    Connecticut Chapter
    How to Do Everything Better from Managing Your Clients, Cases and Employing Experts
    “Representing Children in Connecticut Family Court:  Examining the Roles and Anticipating the Problems”  2010

    Connecticut Bar Foundation
    Speaker, “Limited Scope Representation”
    Symposium 2011

    Fairfield County Bar Association
    Family Law Section Seminar
    “The Worst Family Law Decisions” 2011

    American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers,
    Connecticut Chapter
    Advanced Custody Seminar
    “Use of a Mental Health Expert at Trial” 2012

    American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
    New England Conference
    “A Survey of New England Family Cases Involving Business Valuations” 2013

    The Alimony “Reform” Battle in Connecticut
    American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
    Annual Meeting CLE, Chicago 2013

    “Have Prenuptial Agreements Become Instruments
    Of Oppression?”
    International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
    USA & Canadian Chapter Meeting 2015