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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

SARAH “SALLY” STARK OLDHAM

SARAH "SALLY" STARK OLDHAM

Partner

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

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

Overview

Sally is consistently recognized as one of the top matrimonial attorneys in Connecticut in a variety of peer review surveys.

Sally represents clients in the negotiation and litigation of sophisticated, complex and high-asset family law matters. Her practice includes all areas of family law, including divorce, alimony, child support, and property division. She often analyzes complex financial holdings, closely held businesses, and compensation packages in order to achieve an equitable division of assets and income. Sally helps clients address the financial consequences of divorce while recognizing the psychological impact on those involved.

In addition, Sally has extensive experience resolving, and litigating when necessary, challenging and emotionally charged child custody and relocation disputes. Her seminal advocacy in the case of Ireland v. Ireland redefined the rights of parents and children in relocation disputes.

Sally has lectured on a variety of topics including division of stock options, distributing complex executive compensation packages in divorce, the impact of addiction in custody battles, and the validity of prenuptial agreements in a world where most couples cohabit before marriage. She is also co-author of Connecticut Family Law and Practice, Volumes 7, 8 and 8A, a handbook for lawyers and judges on domestic relations matters in Connecticut.

Prior to practicing law, Sally worked for more than a decade as a psychologist in private practice and as a school psychologist in various Connecticut schools. This experience early in her career affords her certain insights and approaches that differ from those of other matrimonial lawyers.

Sally has been practicing family law with Arnold Rutkin since 1994. From 1988-1994, she practiced at the law firm of Day, Berry and Howard in Stamford, now known as Day Pitney. The practice of law is in Sally’s blood. Her grandfather was a judge, her father was a lawyer in a major New York firm, and one of her sisters, her brother and her daughter are lawyers.

Sally is a private pilot, licensed since 1984. She has two grown children and five grandchildren.

NEWS

Sarah Stark Oldham – 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

Attorneys Kozaczka and Oldham present on alimony at Connecticut Legal Conference

On September 14, 2020, Dyan Kozaczka and Sally Oldham gave a presentation titled “Alimony Retrospective: A Discussion on Case Law and Settlement Strategies since the Implementation of The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act” at the annual CT Legal Conference.  The 2020 CT Legal Conference was held virtually … Read More about Attorneys Kozaczka and Oldham present on alimony at Connecticut Legal Conference

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

Rutkin, Oldham & Griffin Attorneys take part in the 2018 Women Who Matter Luncheon

Attorneys Sarah Oldham, Dyan Kozaczka and Karissa Parker attended the 2018 Women Who Matter Luncheon organized by the Greenwich Chamber of Commerce.  The luncheon celebrates women who make a difference and have an impact on the Greenwich community and beyond.  Rutkin, Oldham & Griffin was a … Read More about Rutkin, Oldham & Griffin Attorneys take part in the 2018 Women Who Matter Luncheon

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®

Sarah S. Oldham presented at the 2018 Connecticut Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Biennial Seminar “Anatomy of a Trial”

Sarah S. Oldham presented at the CCAAML’s Biennial Seminar on April 27, 2018 at the Quinnipiac Medical School in Hamden. The seminar focused on understanding and preparing a matrimonial case for trial and provided valuable insight from experienced trial lawyers.  Sally Oldham presented on the topic … Read More about Sarah S. Oldham presented at the 2018 Connecticut Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Biennial Seminar “Anatomy of a Trial”

“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

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

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

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

SALLY OLDHAM TO LEAD DISCUSSION ON MEETING BEST INTEREST STANDARDS FOR CHILDREN IN FAMILY LAW TODAY

Sarah “Sally” Oldham will moderate an important presentation among her peers on new psychological research in family law at the 2016 Connecticut Legal Conference on June 13 in Hartford, Connecticut.  Connecticut Legal Conference is the largest annual gathering of legal professionals in the state.  … Read More about SALLY OLDHAM TO LEAD DISCUSSION ON MEETING BEST INTEREST STANDARDS FOR CHILDREN IN FAMILY LAW TODAY

SALLY OLDHAM NAMED TO “WOMEN LEADERS IN THE LAW” LIST PUBLISHED BY FORTUNE MAGAZINE

The Westport-based law firm of Rutkin, Oldham & Griffin, LLC is pleased to announce that Sarah “Sally” Stark Oldham was featured in the 2015 “Women Leaders in the Law” list recently published by Fortune Magazine.  Ms. Oldham has the singular honor of being the only lawyer in Connecticut named to … Read More about SALLY OLDHAM NAMED TO “WOMEN LEADERS IN THE LAW” LIST PUBLISHED BY FORTUNE MAGAZINE

EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS

Education & Credentials

University of Connecticut School of Law, cum laude, J.D. - 1988
Connecticut Law Review
Southern Connecticut State College, magna cum laude, M.S., School Psychology – 1974
Wesleyan University, cum laude, B.S. - 1972
State of Connecticut Guardian ad Litem/Attorney for Minor Children Training Course, 2012
Negotiation Workshop: AAML, Program on Negotiation at Harvard Law School, 2017

Bar Admissions
Connecticut, 1988
U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, 1989

Associations
Connecticut Bar Association

  • Executive Committee of the Family Law Section, 1993 – present
  • Chair, 2003 – 2004
  • Continuing Legal Education, 2001 – 2002
  • Co-Chair, Post-Majority Support Committee, Family Law Section, 1993 – 1994

Fairfield County Bar Association
American Bar Association
American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers

  • Fellow, 2001 – present
  • Chair, National Test Committee, 2005 – 2010
  • President, Connecticut Chapter, 2013 – 2014
  • Co-Chair of the Biennial Seminar, Complex Issues in Family Law, 2005

American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Foundation

  • Fellow and Life Member

International Academy of Family Lawyers

  • Fellow, 2009 – present
  • Board of Managers, USA Chapter of International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, 2007 – 2014

Association of Family and Conciliation Courts

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

Awards & Recognitions

  • Forbes Leaders in Law, 2017
  • AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell®
  • Super Lawyers™, 2006 (inception) – 2017, area of Family Law
  • Fortune Magazine Women Leaders in Law, 2015
  • The Best Lawyers in America©, inclusion in all years since 2006, field of Family Law
  • Ten Leaders, named one of Ten Leaders in Divorce Law in Connecticut
  • Connecticut's Top 25 Female Lawyers, 2006, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013

PUBLICATIONS & PRESENTATIONS

Publications and Presentations

"Post‑Majority Support: The Statute Explained"
Connecticut Family Lawyer  Fall 1993

"Recent Appellate Developments"
Connecticut Family Lawyer  Spring 1995

"Recent Appellate Decisions"
Connecticut Family Lawyer  Fall 1997

"Evidentiary Issues in Family Law"
Connecticut Bar Association June 1997

"Appeals in Family Cases"
Connecticut Bar Association November 1998

"Division of Stock Options: Wendt v. Wendt"
Connecticut Bar Association February 1998

"Relocation of Minor Children"
Stamford/Norwalk Regional Bar Association January 1998

"Relocation Issues after Ireland v. Ireland"
Connecticut Bar Association September 1999

"Division of Stock Options in Divorce Cases"
Mellon Bank, Hartford, Connecticut May 1999

"Distributing Executive Compensation Benefits"
The Family Advocate, Vol. 23, #3 Winter 2001

"Effective Utilization of Mental Health Professionals
in Family Cases"
Connecticut Bar Association March 2001

"How to Avoid the Pitfalls and Pratfalls of
Dividing Pensions"
Connecticut Bar Association May 2002

"Hot Topics, The Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction
and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA)"
Connecticut Bar Association Annual Meeting June 2003

“Inheritances, Gifts & Pre-Marital Assets”
Connecticut Bar Association October 2003

Symposium on Professionalism (moderator)
Regional Bar Association November 2004

“Complex Issues in Family Law Cases” or
“How to Handle Tricky Questions and Sticky Situations”
Connecticut Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Biennial Seminar 2005

“Examining the Mental Health Expert”
The Family Advocate, Vol. 30, No. 4 Spring 2008

“Psychological Testing in Cases of Disputed Custody”
ABA-APA Conference April 2008

“An Overview of Property Division and Spousal
Support Regimes in the U.S.”

International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
Annual Meeting, Queenstown, New Zealand September 2010

“Substance Abuse Issues in Family Law Cases”
Connecticut Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Advanced Custody Seminar May 2012

“The DSM-5 and Its Practical Application to the Family Lawyer”
Connecticut Bar Association Annual Meeting  June 2013

“Document Management”
Connecticut Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Advanced Technology Seminar April 2014

“When Domestic Issues Result in Criminal Cases”
Fairfield County Bar Association Criminal Law Committee Luncheon June 2015

“Alimony Recapture and Family Support”
Connecticut Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Advanced Financial Issues Seminar April 2016

“Meeting the Best Interests of the Child Standard with New Psychological Research”
Connecticut Bar Association Annual Legal Conference  June 2016

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Practice Areas

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

Read More

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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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