Blogs
Contact Us
750 Main Street, Suite 510G
Hartford, CT 06103
Phone: (860) 461-7494
Fax: (860) 461-7003
Email
Follow Us
Illustrations by: Kuresse Bolds
kuressebolds.com
All information displayed on the The Christie Law Firm website is informational and shall not be deemed as legal advice. If you’re currently dealing with an individual legal situation, you’re invited to contact us through email or by phone. Until an attorney-client relationship has been established, we urge that you avoid sharing any confidential information.
What is Child Abandonment in Connecticut?
/by Nicole ChristieAs a parent, your relationship with your child or children is one of the most precious things you have. But it only takes a single poor decision or a miscommunication for you to jeopardize your rights as a parent. The Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) has a lot of power when it comes […]
Adopting a Special Needs Child in Connecticut – Subsidized Adoptions
/by Nicole ChristieAccording to the National Adoption Center, there are over 130,000 children with “special needs” in this country awaiting permanent homes. In the context of child welfare, foster care, and adoption, “special needs” refers not only to children with disabilities but also to those whose risk factors for disability, race, ethnic, age, or other characteristics make […]
Where Does Disciplining Your Child Cross the Line to Neglect or Abuse?
/by Nicole ChristieDrawing the line between a parent’s right to discipline their child and child abuse or neglect will depend on the specifics of the law. No parent likes to be told by the state how to discipline their own children. But if the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) is investigating an allegation of child […]
What Is a DCF Neglect Petition and How Can I Fight One?
/by Nicole ChristieThe idea of losing your child may be the worst thing imaginable. However, that is exactly what can happen if the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) files a neglect petition against you and has success in court. If you have had a DCF neglect petition filed against you, the first thing that you […]
What Is the DCF Central Registry and Can I Appeal My Placement?
/by Nicole ChristieMost states, including the state of Connecticut, have a statewide registry where listings of child neglect, abuse, and maltreatment records are maintained. In Connecticut, this registry is known as the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) Central Registry. Here is an overview of what you should know about the DCF Central Registry and what […]
What Does “Family with Service Needs” Mean?
/by Nicole ChristieNavigating family law matters, particularly those involving children and the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) can be emotional, complex, and overwhelming. At The Christie Law Firm, LLC, our experienced family matters attorney can help you to navigate your DCF case or another juvenile matter. As you learn more about DCF cases, it is […]
What is the Safe Haven Act for Newborns?
/by Nicole ChristieAccording to the law, parents have a legal obligation to protect and care for their children. Failure to do this can result in the involvement of DCF as well as criminal charges. There is one instance, however, where a parent can abandon a very young child to the State’s care without facing any type of […]
Leaving Children Home Alone in Connecticut
/by Nicole ChristieSpend enough time online, and you are likely to see a few spirited discussions surrounding the most appropriate age to leave children home alone. It would be simpler if there were a law in place to settle the matter. Unfortunately, there are not any such statutes in Connecticut. But a parent that makes the wrong […]
What Is A Connecticut DCF Safety Plan?
/by Nicole ChristieOne of the biggest decisions a parent must make if the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) shows up at their door is whether or not to cooperate. While agency investigators have no right to come into your home without a warrant, there could be serious consequences for not cooperating with an investigation. But […]
The Clarity of 2020
/by Nicole ChristieIn December 2019, I was excited about the year 2020. It was so cool, as 20/20 is a designation for perfect vision. I knew it was going to a unique year and I wanted to be sure to make it a great one. I even made a joke that I will see clearly in 2020! […]