Family Law Attorney in Westport
Serving Clients in Fairfield County & Beyond
At Rutkin, Oldham & Griffin, our legal team works diligently to resolve divorce and family law matters. We advise, guide, and represent clients with discretion and sensitivity while crafting practical solutions for complex legal challenges. Our close location to New York City and the financial markets enables us to help clients navigate large-asset, high-income, and complicated divorce cases. We have deep experience in these cases. Our seasoned professional team has earned a strong reputation for excellence in family law.
Mediation & Alternative Dispute Resolution in Westport
Mediation provides families with a way to resolve disputes without going to court. In Westport and throughout Fairfield County, many clients choose this process to reduce stress, manage costs, and create customized solutions. The family law attorneys at Rutkin, Oldham & Griffin help clients understand mediation options early. By selecting mediation or another alternative resolution process, families often reach more amicable results. Mediators approved in Connecticut use focused training to facilitate compromise, clarify issues, and help families avoid litigation when appropriate. Our firm addresses whether collaborative processes fit your specific goals before considering court action.
Not every case fits mediation, but many families resolve disputes that honor their needs and values through this approach. Mediation also protects privacy by keeping sensitive information out of the courtroom. In Fairfield County, mediation is often used for parenting plans, dividing property, and resolving child or spousal support concerns. If the process stalls, clients keep the option to move forward with litigation, supported by our team.
Schedule a consultation with a family law lawyer in Westport. Call (203) 428-4476 or contact us online using our request form.
Our Areas of Practice
Services We Provide
Rely on a Well-Respected, Professional Team
At Rutkin, Oldham & Griffin, our attorneys have earned strong reputations in the field of family law. We have successfully resolved complex divorce and family law cases through negotiation, litigation, and legislative testimony. Our attorneys are leaders in the field through trusted legal work, published writing, frequent lectures, and dedication to quality.
We contribute to the ongoing development of Connecticut family law by serving on committees, advising on legislation, and ensuring clients stay informed about changes that could affect their families. Clients benefit from our collaborative approach, as each matter receives attention from attorneys with diverse backgrounds and viewpoints. This team-based structure leads to high-quality, responsive service built for every family's situation. Our team commits to resolving cases in ways that guard the rights and best interests of our clients. Our clients benefit from having several attorneys collaborate for strong results. Whatever challenges you face, count on the advocacy, knowledge, and insight our family law attorneys bring to every case.
Your Family Law Journey in Westport: What to Expect
A family law matter usually begins with gathering records, clarifying your goals, and meeting with a skilled attorney. In Westport, most cases are filed with the Superior Court in Bridgeport. Connecticut schedules and court procedures may shape timelines for hearings or negotiations. Our attorneys guide clients through every stage, outlining settlement, mediation, or trial options. We clarify which details—like area school calendars, work schedules, and parenting obligations—may influence your legal plan.
Because every family's situation differs, we emphasize clear communication and practical guidance at each stage. We organize the steps into straightforward directions, helping clients prepare for each phase. Many people in Westport want specific details about how long their matter may take or who will appear in court with them. At Rutkin, Oldham & Griffin, we answer these questions directly and stay available throughout each matter to support clients through the process.
Consult with our family law attorney in Westport today. Contact us at (203) 428-4476 or online.
Family Law Cases We Handle
We counsel clients in all areas of family law, including:
- Divorce. The critical decisions you make during the divorce process can have lasting consequences in all aspects of your life. As such, we take the time to learn everything about you, including your family relationships, responsibilities, employment, and finances. We think long term about securing your financial health, often thinking outside the box to put you in the most advantageous position possible, both today and tomorrow.
- High-asset divorce. We provide discretion and thoroughness in cases involving complex financial holdings, multiple real estate properties, closely held businesses, professional practices, investments, retirement accounts, compensation packages, and other assets. These cases may require legal analysis as well as financial experts and other professional resources. We work to perform an exhaustive review of all property and assets to protect your legal rights and best interests throughout the divorce process.
- Alimony. Spousal support is generally designed to provide financial resources for a dependent spouse during or after the divorce process. It may be granted on a temporary or permanent basis or as rehabilitative short-term aid to help a lower-earning party become self-supporting. The courts look at many factors in determining alimony payments. We represent parties seeking alimony as well as those contesting payments.
- Child Support Solutions in Hartford. All parents, whether married or not, are obligated to financially support their minor children. The Connecticut Child Support and Arrearage Guidelines determines child support payments. Our team can help create plans that appropriately divide support obligations. We also represent clients seeking enforcement and modification of previously entered child support orders.
- Protecting Your Parental Rights: Custody and Visitation. The welfare of your children is always of paramount importance. Our team can advise and guide you through the negotiation of a parenting plan that will protect your parental rights and serve the best interests of your children. If resolution by negotiated agreement is not possible, our attorneys will represent you throughout the trial of contested custody issues.
- Navigating Complex Custody Cases in Hartford. Disputes between parents regarding custody can be based on many underlying issues. These emotional cases require the representation of an experienced lawyer. Our team regularly handles contentious custody battles because we are sought out for the resources and experience we have to offer.
- Fair Property Division in Hartford: Complex Cases. When complex property holdings are involved, the division of marital property requires experienced attorneys and experts to be sure the division by agreement or by the court properly accounts for value and ownership interests. Our team will work tirelessly to help you achieve a fair property settlement that fully identifies, values, and divides these assets.
- Relocation Challenges: What You Need to Know. The consequences of relocation for a child and both parents can be profound. The court must determine what is in the child’s best interest to determine if relocation is appropriate. These complex cases call for compelling evidence to prove or disprove that relocation best serves the child.
Our attorneys are familiar with the nuances of Westport and Fairfield County courts. We understand the pace and priorities of local family court schedules, which can influence the timing and approach to legal matters. By staying up-to-date with regional court procedures, we help guide clients through each step and explain what to expect—whether you are filing for divorce or tackling questions of custody, support, and property division. This attention to process helps safeguard your interests at every stage.
Supporting Families in Hartford: Navigating Local Child Support & Custody Challenges
Living in Hartford, Connecticut, brings unique challenges and opportunities for families dealing with child support and custody issues. The local government, including the Connecticut Department of Social Services and the Hartford Family Court, plays a key role in determining and enforcing child support and custody arrangements. Understanding the local process can lead to more favorable outcomes.
Westport families face circumstances different from those in larger cities, such as considering private school tuition for child support or involving local colleges in parenting plans for older children. The Westport Family Court, located in Bridgeport, Connecticut, manages cases from this area. Our experience in this court streamlines the legal process for Westport families. We routinely assist families adjusting to changes in living arrangements near Long Island Sound, managing both emotional and practical needs. Our network within the local legal community and up-to-date knowledge of resources provide clients with a solid foundation during transitions.
Guiding Clients Through Family Law Issues
One common challenge for Hartford residents is the complexity of child support calculations. The Connecticut Child Support and Arrearage Guidelines set fair support payments, but applying these rules can be complicated. Our team understands these regulations and helps clients create plans that match their financial circumstances and responsibilities.
Custody and visitation disagreements also depend greatly on local regulations. The Hartford Family Court prioritizes the best interests of children. Each case is unique. Whether you are working toward a parenting plan or facing a custody hearing, our team can explain court procedures and guide you to protect your parental rights and your child's welfare.
Property division in Hartford is also complex, especially with significant assets involved. Local property laws and market conditions can affect this process. We focus on accurate identification, valuation, and equitable division of assets in negotiations or court proceedings.
Relocation cases raise additional questions. The court weighs the benefits of the move against the impact on the child and the non-relocating parent. In Hartford, these decisions involve careful review of local factors and the child's needs. Our team can support your case, whether you seek or contest a relocation.
Contact our trusted family law attorney in Westport today at (203) 428-4476 to schedule a confidential consultation.