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Rutkin Oldham Griffin

Experienced Family Lawyers Serving Clients in Westport and Greenwich

  • About
  • Team
    • ARNOLD H. RUTKIN
    • Sarah “Sally” Stark Oldham
    • David W. Griffin
    • KARISSA L. PARKER
  • Practice Areas
  • Firm News
  • Contact

DAVID W. GRIFFIN

DAVID W. GRIFFIN

Partner

T: 203 - 227 - 7301
F: 203 - 222 - 9295

dgriffin@rutkinoldham.com | vCard |
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OVERVIEW NEWS EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS PUBLICATIONS & PRESENTATIONS
OVERVIEW

Overview

David represents clients in divorce, custody, relocation and income and asset distribution cases, including alimony and support issues arising from complicated compensation structures and high net worth families. He has represented some of the region’s and nation’s most wealthy individuals and has extensive experience with private equity, hedge fund and related holdings and regularly works with family office representatives throughout all stages of a case. He has negotiated to settlement, and litigated when necessary, complex financial and custody cases, including provisions for confidentiality, in various courts throughout Connecticut.

David also has significant experience in representing individuals in custody disputes and routinely works with mental health and substance abuse professionals. David also accepts appointments to protect the best interests of children by serving as a Guardian ad Litem in selective cases, having done so on numerous occasions over many years.

David was named National Fellow of the Year in 2016 by the prestigious American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. He is very active in that organization on the national and state levels, chairing or co-chairing, among other committees, the National Test Committee and the National Continuing Legal Education Committee, which provides highly advanced and cutting edge educational programming to the top matrimonial lawyers throughout the country. David also lectures and writes extensively on both financial and custody topics in the area of matrimonial and family law.

David is the former Chairman of the Boards of Directors and Trustees of The Waterbury Hospital and chaired or served on a variety of committees addressing budgets, finance, compensation and reimbursement issues. His experience in handling budgets and financial reports has proved beneficial to clients, for whom he effectively reviews sophisticated financial reporting documents, tax returns, balance sheets, income statements and other complicated financial forecasts and reports.

Prior to focusing exclusively on matrimonial law, David started his career at a commercial law firm in New Haven, Connecticut, after which he served as general counsel of a large regional real estate development firm.

David, historically, has donated significant time as a Special Master at the Connecticut Regional Family Trial Docket, the high-conflict custody court established by the State of Connecticut, helping families try to resolve their cases through mediation with a lawyer and a mental health professional, rather than by conflict. He comes from a family that is dedicated to the legal profession — his father was an attorney for more than 60 years and both of his brothers are attorneys. David became a licensed private pilot in 1985.

NEWS

David W. Griffin – News:

Rutkin, Oldham & Griffin receives top ranking for metropolitan area – 2021 U.S. News – Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firm” Rankings

Rutkin, Oldham & Griffin, LLC is pleased to announce its recognition by  U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers® "Best Law Firms" for our accomplishments in Family Law.  Now in its 11th edition,  the U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms” rankings are the result of … Read More about Rutkin, Oldham & Griffin receives top ranking for metropolitan area – 2021 U.S. News – Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firm” Rankings

All Five Attorneys at Rutkin, Oldham & Griffin Recognized by Super Lawyers

Partners Arnold Rutkin, Sarah (Sally) Oldham, David Griffin and Dyan Kozaczka, along with Associate Karissa Parker, have all been recognized by Super Lawyers, a rating service of outstanding lawyers who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. Every year, … Read More about All Five Attorneys at Rutkin, Oldham & Griffin Recognized by Super Lawyers

Name Partner David Griffin adds additional topic to presentations at National Divorce Financial Conference

Rutkin, Oldham & Griffin partner David Griffin has added an additional topic to his list of presentations at the upcoming BVR-AAML National Divorce Financial Conference to be held in Las Vegas at the Aria Resort on May 8-10, 2019. In addition to the three different topics he had been tapped to … Read More about Name Partner David Griffin adds additional topic to presentations at National Divorce Financial Conference

Name Partner David Griffin to speak at National Divorce Financial Conference

Rutkin, Oldham & Griffin partner David Griffin has been selected to speak at the BVR-AAML National Divorce Financial Conference to be held in Las Vegas at the Aria Resort on May 8-10, 2019, on three different topics aimed at sophisticated divorce lawyers and business valuation experts. The … Read More about Name Partner David Griffin to speak at National Divorce Financial Conference

Rutkin, Oldham & Griffin Attorneys Participate in 2018 AAML Annual Meeting

Attorneys Arnold Rutkin, Sarah Oldham and David Griffin attended the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Annual Meeting in Chicago on November 7 – 10, 2018. The entire legal program was organized and coordinated by Attorney David Griffin, an undertaking which was over a year in the … Read More about Rutkin, Oldham & Griffin Attorneys Participate in 2018 AAML Annual Meeting

Rutkin, Oldham & Griffin Recognized in 2019 edition of Best Lawyers®

Rutkin, Oldham & Griffin, LLC has received national rankings in the ninth edition of U.S. News – Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” for our accomplishments in Family Law.  To be eligible for a ranking, a firm must have a lawyer listed in The Best Lawyers in America®, which recognizes the top 4 … Read More about Rutkin, Oldham & Griffin Recognized in 2019 edition of Best Lawyers®

“Arnie’s Army” participates in the 3rd annual Play for Kids competition at Chelsea Piers

Rutkin, Oldham & Griffin participated in the Center for Children’s Advocacy’s 3rd Annual Play for Kids event at Chelsea Piers.  The firm’s team for the charitable event, organized by Dyan Kozaczka, chose the team name “Arnie’s Army” to honor firm founder, CCA Board of Directors member, and … Read More about “Arnie’s Army” participates in the 3rd annual Play for Kids competition at Chelsea Piers

David W. Griffin Co-Chair of CLE for the 2018 American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Annual Mid-Year Meeting in Maui, HI

David Griffin recently co-chaired the Educational Programs for the AAML’s 2018 Mid-Year Meeting in Maui. The CLE portions of the meeting covered topics such as Domestic and Intimate Partner Violence, Economic Abuse, Defending the Admissibility of an Expert’s Opinion and Examination of Professional, … Read More about David W. Griffin Co-Chair of CLE for the 2018 American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Annual Mid-Year Meeting in Maui, HI

SUPER LAWYERS 2017 RECOGNIZES FOUR RUTKIN, OLDHAM & GRIFFIN ATTORNEYS

Arnold H. Rutkin, Sarah S. Oldham and David W. Griffin were named to the 2017 “Connecticut Super Lawyers” list in the area of family law.  Mr. Rutkin and Ms. Oldham have held this esteemed distinction since 2006, and Mr. Griffin since 2011.  In addition, Dyan M. Kozaczka was named a “Connecticut … Read More about SUPER LAWYERS 2017 RECOGNIZES FOUR RUTKIN, OLDHAM & GRIFFIN ATTORNEYS

THREE LAWYERS FROM RUTKIN, OLDHAM & GRIFFIN, LLC ARE LISTED IN BEST LAWYERS IN AMERICA© 2018

Arnold H. Rutkin, Sarah S. Oldham and David W. Griffin were selected by their peers for inclusion in the 24th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America© 2018 in the field of Family Law.  Since it was first published in 1983, Best Lawyers® has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal … Read More about THREE LAWYERS FROM RUTKIN, OLDHAM & GRIFFIN, LLC ARE LISTED IN BEST LAWYERS IN AMERICA© 2018

RUTKIN, OLDHAM & GRIFFIN, LLC TEAMS UP TO SUPPORT THE CENTER FOR CHILDREN’S ADVOCACY

Rutkin, Oldham & Griffin organized a team for a friendly competition in the Play for Kids fundraiser to help support the Center for Children’s Advocacy (CCA).  Attorneys Arnold Rutkin, Sally Oldham, David Griffin, Dyan Kozaczka and Karissa Parker participated.  The event is held annually at … Read More about RUTKIN, OLDHAM & GRIFFIN, LLC TEAMS UP TO SUPPORT THE CENTER FOR CHILDREN’S ADVOCACY

DAVID W. GRIFFIN RECEIVES AAML 2016 NATIONAL FELLOW OF THE YEAR AWARD

David W. Griffin was named 2016 National “Fellow of the Year” by The American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers.  Mr. Griffin was presented with this prestigious award at the Academy’s annual meeting in Chicago.  The American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers is the premier national organization of family … Read More about DAVID W. GRIFFIN RECEIVES AAML 2016 NATIONAL FELLOW OF THE YEAR AWARD

THREE LAWYERS FROM RUTKIN, OLDHAM & GRIFFIN, LLC ARE SELECTED AS 2016 CONNECTICUT SUPER LAWYERS

Arnold H. Rutkin, Sarah S. Oldham and David W. Griffin were named to the 2016 “Connecticut Super Lawyers” list in the area of family law.  Mr. Rutkin and Ms. Oldham have held this esteemed distinction since 2006, and Mr. Griffin since 2011 … Read More about THREE LAWYERS FROM RUTKIN, OLDHAM & GRIFFIN, LLC ARE SELECTED AS 2016 CONNECTICUT SUPER LAWYERS

DAVID GRIFFIN WAS INTERVIEWED BY LAWYER MONTHLY

Click here to read the interview. … Read More about DAVID GRIFFIN WAS INTERVIEWED BY LAWYER MONTHLY

THREE LAWYERS FROM RUTKIN, OLDHAM & GRIFFIN, LLC ARE LISTED IN BEST LAWYERS IN AMERICA© 2017

Arnold H. Rutkin, Sarah S. Oldham and David W. Griffin were selected by their peers for inclusion in the 23rd Edition of The Best Lawyers in America© 2017 in the field of Family Law.  Since it was first published in 1983, Best Lawyers® has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal … Read More about THREE LAWYERS FROM RUTKIN, OLDHAM & GRIFFIN, LLC ARE LISTED IN BEST LAWYERS IN AMERICA© 2017

DAVID W. GRIFFIN TO CO-CHAIR AND PRESENT AT THE 2016 NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON DIVORCE

David W. Griffin will speak at the 2016 AICPA/AAML National Conference on Divorce May 18-20 in New Orleans, Louisiana.  Jointly presented by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, the National Conference on Divorce is the premier … Read More about DAVID W. GRIFFIN TO CO-CHAIR AND PRESENT AT THE 2016 NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON DIVORCE

EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS

Education and Credentials

University of Houston Law Center, J.D. - 1983
Ithaca College, B.A. - 1979
State of Connecticut Guardian Ad Litem/Attorney for Minor Children Training Course 2010, Instructor

Bar Admissions
Connecticut, 1983
U.S. District Court, District of Connecticut, 1984

Associations
American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers

  • Fellow, 2013 - present
  • Member and Co-chair of the 2018 National CLE Committee 2016 – present
  • Member and Co-chair of the National Test Committee 2013 – present
  • Member and Co-chair of the 2016 AAML/AICPA National Divorce Conference Committee
  • Member and Co-chair of the 2016 National CLE Committee
  • Member and Co-Vice-chair of the Sponsorship Committee 2015
  • Member AAML/AFCC Conference Joint Planning Committee 2014 – 2015
  • Board of Managers, Connecticut Chapter, 2015 – present

American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Foundation

  • Board of Directors, 2016 – present
  • Life Member

International Academy of Family Lawyers

  • Fellow

Connecticut Child Support Guidelines Commission

  • Co-Chair 2014 – 2015
  • Member 2012 – 2015

Connecticut Bar Association

  • Executive Committee, Family Law Section, 2011 – present
  • Chair, Family Law Section, 2015 – 2016
  • CLE Chair, Family Law Section 2013– 2014

Connecticut Family Lawyer

  • Member, Board of Editors, 2011 – present

American Bar Association

  • Family Law Section

Greenwich Bar Association
Fairfield County Bar Association
Waterbury Bar Association - Former Chair, Family Law Section
Association of Family and Conciliation Courts

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

Awards and Recognitions

  • AAML National Fellow of the Year Award, 2016
  • Super Lawyers™ 2011 – present, area of Family Law
  • The Best Lawyers in America©, 2013 – present, field of Family Law
  • Ten Leaders, named one of Ten Leaders in Divorce Law
  • Top Attorneys in Connecticut 2012– present

PUBLICATIONS & PRESENTATIONS

Publications and Presentations

"How A Family Lawyer Can Understand a Valuation Expert's Exercise of Judgment", Connecticut Bar Association, Family Law Section, Co-speaker with Kenneth Pia, New Haven, CT - November 2019

"Valuing Complex Organizational and Capital Structures in Marital Dissolutions" BVR-AAML National Divorce Financial Conference, Co-speaker with Neil Beaton, Las Vegas, NV - May 2019

"Healthcare Valuation & Divorce" BVR-AAML National Divorce Financial Conference, Co-speaker with Mark Dietrich, Las Vegas, NV - May 2019

"Professional Judgment and Valuations of Start-Ups: On Your Mark, Get Set and Go" BVR-AAML National Divorce Financial Conference, Co-speaker with Ron Seigneur, Las Vegas, NV - May 2019

"East Meets West - The Continental Divide: Venture Capital and Private Equity Interests From Silicon Valley to Silicon Alley" BVR-AAML National Divorce Financial Conference, Co-speaker with Barry Sziklay, Las Vegas, NV - May 2019

"25 Hot Tips in 75 Minutes" BVR-AAML National Divorce Financial Conference, Co-presenter with Planning Committee Members, Las Vegas, NV - May 2019

“Income Isn’t Just What’s in the Paycheck: Executive Compensation and Other Employee Benefits”:  AAML Webinar, co-presenter, delves into the “alphabet soup” of the forms executive compensation can take and provides insights into the clues to watch for – December 2016

“2016 National Conference on Divorce”: American Institute of Certified Public Accountants/American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Co-Chair, New Orleans, LA – May 2016

“Hot Topics in Health Care Valuation: Reasonable Compensation, HIPAA and a Surprise or Two”: 2016 American Institute of Certified Public Accountants/American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers National Conference on Divorce, Co-speaker, New Orleans, LA – May 2016

“Advanced Financial Issues”:  Connecticut Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Biennial Seminar, Program Coordinator, Moderator/Producer, Quinnipiac University School of Law, North Haven, CT – April 2016
Practice Tip Video – CBA on how to prosecute an Earning Capacity Case

“Show Me the Money! Uncovering Fraud and Tracing Offshore Assets”:  AAML Midyear Meeting, Program Co-Coordinator, Nassau, Bahamas – March 2016

“How Lawyers Can Use Social Media to Make It Rain”:  AAML Midyear Meeting, Program Coordinator, Nassau, Bahamas – March 2016

“Discovering Unreported Foreign Assets in a Divorce. What Do I Do Now?”:  AAML Midyear Meeting, Program Coordinator, Nassau, Bahamas – March 2016

“A Question of Balance – Accidental Success”:  AAML Midyear Meeting, Program Coordinator, Nassau, Nassau, Bahamas – March 2016

“Fast and Furious Two Minute Drill: 25 Hot Valuation and Financial Tips”: AAML Midyear Meeting, Program Coordinator, Nassau, Bahamas – March 2016

“Mediating a Custody Case”:  Association of Family and Conciliation Courts/American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers 2015 Conference on Advanced Issues in Child Custody: Evaluation, Litigation and Settlement, Discussion Leader, Washington, DC – October 2015

Fairfield County Bar Association Custody/Psychology Seminar with Linda Smith and Eric Frazer

“Business Valuation and Use of Online Valuation Calculators – Do They Survive a Daubert Challenge?”:  Co-Presenter, Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Chicago, IL – November 2014

“Earning Capacity and Imputing Income for Child Support Calculations: A Survey of Law and Outline of Practice Tips”: Published in the Summer of 2014 in the Journal of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, this comprehensive article leads sophisticated practitioners (and judges) through the complicated body of law on how to litigate an earning capacity case – that is – a case when one parent fails or refuses to earn income up to the full amount they are capable of earning

“Data Acquisition and Digital Forensics (What Every Lawyer Should Know)”, New York, NY: Presenter, USA-Canada Chapter Meeting of the International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, on the topic of how to collect and preserve digital data from iPhones, iPads, computers and other digital devices, New York, NY – May 2014

“Valuation, Protection and Treatment of an Owner’s Dilutable Interest in a Rapidly Growing Business”: Presenter, AICPA-AAML National Conference on Divorce on the complex topic of valuations of business interests subject to dilution, early-stage investment conversion and uncertain revenues, Las Vegas, NV – April 2014

“App Technology for Lawyers” Presenter, Connecticut Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Advanced Technology Seminar, Quinnipiac University School of Law, New Britain, CT – April 2014

“Earning Capacity and Imputing Income for Child Support Calculations”:  Presenter, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, New England Family Law Symposium, Boston, MA – April 2013

State of Connecticut Judicial Branch:  Faculty member of the official Judicial Branch guardian ad litem training course, on the topics of "What to Expect at the Regional Family Trial Docket" and "How to Encourage and Assist Parents in Reaching Agreement in the Best Interests of the Minor Children" – June, 2012

“It's Nearly Always About the House” Published in the Spring 2010 issue of the American Bar Association Section of Family Law’s publication Family Advocate and concerning real estate issues in the context of divorce

Mr. Griffin has also taught continuing legal education seminars on The Hague Convention, Child Custody and the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act

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Practice Areas

  • Divorce
  • Custody & Visitation
  • Child Support
  • Alimony
  • Relocation
  • Complex Property Division Issues

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Locations:

Rutkin, Oldham & Griffin, LLC
5 Imperial Avenue
P.O. Box 295
Westport, CT 06880
Phone: 203-227-7301

Greenwich Office:
Two Lafayette Court
Greenwich, CT 06830
Phone: 203-869-7277

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