
A Connecticut Appellate Law Blog
As we approach 2026, appellate attorneys and litigants in Connecticut should take time to familiarize themselves with the most recent amendments to the Rules of Appellate Procedure, which take effect on January 1, 2026. As with prior years, the amendments reflect a continued effort by the appellate courts to modernize practice, streamline procedures, and align rules with electronic filing realities. Some of
The Connecticut Appellate Court’s decision in Villao v. Paz (officially released Sept. 30, 2025) offers rare published guidance on the Connecticut appellate stay in family cases. For family law and divorce attorneys, this opinion clarifies how the automatic appellate stay operates under Practice Book § 61-11 (c)—and reminds attorneys that the exceptions are narrowly construed.
When awarding child support, Connecticut courts must follow the child support guidelines, which establish a presumptive amount based on the parents’ incomes. A court may deviate from these guidelines, however, only if it makes three specific findings on the record to justify the deviation. Failure to do so can result in reversal on appeal. A
Since launching Connecticut Appellate Law Firm, one of the most frequently asked questions I have received is: “How long does a Connecticut civil or family appeal take to resolve?” In legal practice, the answer is often “it depends.” Under typical circumstances and without any special motions or complexities, the process from filing an appeal to