Business Details
Experienced Family Law Attorney in Westport, CT
With over two decades of dedicated practice in family law and divorce matters, I have built a reputation for providing discreet, individualized legal representation tailored to each client's unique needs. My approach combines collaborative problem-solving with courtroom tenacity, ensuring clients benefit from both amicable resolutions and robust advocacy when necessary. I work alongside mental health and financial professionals to address complex issues, leveraging specialized tools like financial software to analyze tax implications and asset distributions.As a Certified Guardian ad Litem and member of the American Academy of Certified Financial Litigators, my practice emphasizes both technical expertise and compassionate guidance. Having litigated cases across New York and Connecticut courts, I bring a nuanced understanding of jurisdictional nuances and a commitment to protecting client interests through every stage of the legal process.
Services
Child Custody
Spousal Support
Child Support
Property Distribution
Domestic Violence Cases
Post-Judgment Modifications
Mediation Services
Appeals
Highlights and features
- 20+ years of exclusive focus on Connecticut family law
- Collaboration with financial and mental health experts for comprehensive solutions
- Certified Guardian ad Litem with child advocacy expertise
- Proven track record in complex financial divorce cases
- Combines compassionate counsel with courtroom litigation strength
Associations and certifications
- American Academy of Certified Financial Litigators
- Certified Guardian ad Litem
What people say
Brilliantly skilled attorney
Compassionate and dedicated advocate
Fighter for client interests
Excellent financial case handling
Highly recommended by clients
Services
Child Custody and Visitation
Developing parenting plans that prioritize children's best interests while protecting parental rights. Handles complex custody disputes involving relocation, special needs, and high-conflict situations. Utilizes court-appointed evaluators and legal strategies to secure favorable custody arrangements through negotiation or litigation.
Spousal Support Alimony
Managing temporary and permanent alimony cases with focus on financial analysis and tax implications. Specializes in modifying existing orders due to changed circumstances like cohabitation or retirement. Provides strategic guidance on Connecticut's cohabitation statute and enforcement mechanisms.
Property Distribution
Equitably dividing marital assets including businesses, real estate, and retirement accounts. Addresses complex financial scenarios through forensic accounting and valuation experts. Navigates Connecticut's no-separate-property policy while considering prenuptial agreements and contribution factors.
Domestic Violence Cases
Securing or challenging relief from abuse orders while handling related custody and support implications. Coordinates with criminal defense teams for false allegations and documents evidence to protect clients' rights in high-stakes domestic violence situations.
Post-Judgment Modifications
Amending existing court orders for custody, support, or visitation based on changed circumstances. Specializes in enforcement actions, relocation requests, and termination of alimony due to cohabitation or remarriage through formal court proceedings.
People
Law Offices Of Dori-Ellen S. Feltman
Family Law Attorney
Practicing Connecticut family law for 20+ years with specialization in financial litigation. Former clerk at New York Appellate Division and attorney at prominent law firms. Certified Guardian ad Litem and member of American Academy of Certified Financial Litigators. Active in Easton community organizations focused on children's welfare.
Questions
What factors determine child custody in Connecticut?
Connecticut courts prioritize the child's best interests, considering factors like parental cooperation, child's preferences (if age-appropriate), and each parent's ability to meet the child's needs.
How is alimony calculated in Connecticut?
Alimony considers factors like marriage duration, financial needs, earning capacity, and tax implications. There are no fixed formulas, requiring case-specific analysis.
Can child support orders be modified?
Yes, modifications require demonstrating substantial changes in circumstances like job loss, income changes, or altered custody arrangements through court proceedings.
What constitutes domestic violence in family court?
Connecticut recognizes physical assaults and credible threats as domestic violence, requiring immediate legal intervention through protective orders when necessary.
How are business assets divided in divorce?
Business interests are evaluated based on ownership structure, valuation methods, and contribution to marital assets, often requiring forensic accounting expertise.
