Arnold H. Rutkin

Of Counsel

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

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