Evanko & Associates, LLC

Negelct Petitions

Do you know your rights when it comes to DCF and neglect petitions?  E&A wants to help protect parents who are subject to DCF neglect petitions.  DCF is the only agency with the power to come into a home and remove children without a court order.  That power should be used carefully. When you are up against an agency like DCF with their resources, you should have someone fighting on your side.  Let E&A help to reunify your family as soon as possible.  (Working private cases in all courts except New Britain)

Guardian ad Litem

I am often asked what is a GAL?  My job as a GAL is to act and make decisions that are in the "Best Interest" of the child or children I represent.  It is the one person who does not have to be on either parents/grandparents sides.  A GAL is usually appointed by the courts, but they can be paid by private funds of the parties involved or paid by the court at State rates.  State rates means that the court foots the bill for the work of the GAL and is usually based on the parents ability to pay for the attorney's fees. 

A GAL may not be removed from a case because they make a decision that one of the parents do not like.  According to a recent decision a GAL has immunity from prosectution http://ftp.resource.org/courts.gov/c/F3/22/22.F3d.149.93-1880.html

It is unusual to have the parents hire a GAL outside of court appointment.   

Children do best when both parents have a stable and meaningful involvement in their children’s lives.

• • Each parent has different and valuable contributions to make to their children’s

  development.

• • Children should have structured, routine time as well as unstructured time with

  each parent.

• • Parents often find that it is better for their young children to spend more time

  with parents and less time with third-party caregivers, taking into consideration

  the number of transitions and the child’s need for stability. When both parents

  work, parents often begin planning their schedule with this in mind. A day-care

  provider or extended family member may be with the children most of the day,

  so parents should make every attempt to choose a mutually acceptable – and

  accessible – day-care provider.

• • Parents should help their children maintain positive existing relationships,

  routines and activities.

• • Communication and cooperation between parents are important in arranging

  children’s activities. Consistent rules and values in both households create a

  sense of security for children of any age.

   

  • Parents should allow children to bring personal items back and forth between homes, no

  matter who purchased them.