Family law is an area governed almost exclusively by state law. This research tip will address family law in Connecticut. Most of the resources noted herein are located in the Connecticut section of the main Reading Room on L3. Ask a friendly reference librarian if you're not sure where this is. Modify search strategies accordingly to find the law of other jurisdictions.

PRIMARY SOURCES:

Use the index to the Connecticut General Statutes Annotated (KFC3630 1958 .A43 — Reading Room) to locate the code section on the specific area of family law with which you are concerned (e.g divorce, alimony, child custody).
Use the index to West's Connecticut Digest (KFC3657 .W4 — Reading Room) to locate relevant case law.

SECONDARY SOURCES:

Connecticut Family Law Journal (KFC3700 .A15 C66 — Lower East Side) is a bimonthly current awareness tool for family law practitioners.
Child Custody and Visitation in Connecticut (KFC3704.6.Z9 C45 — Reading Room)
Tax Aspects of Divorce in Connecticut (KFC4091.8 .T39 — Reading Room)
Trusts, Estate Planning and Divorce in Connecticut (KFC3737.Z9 T78 — Reading Room)

PRACTICE GUIDES/HANDBOOKS:

Family Law and Practice with Forms (KFC3680 .C65 — Reading Room) comprises 3 volumes (v. 7, 8, 8A) of the Connecticut Practice series.
Connecticut Family Law Pamphlet (KFC3680 .C65 subser. — Reading Room) is a supplement to Family Law and Practice with Forms (above) containing updates and revisions to current rules and statutes.
Family Law Practice in Connecticut (KFC3700 .F36 — Reading Room) is a two volume loose-leaf text with sample documents, forms and instructions.
Friendly Divorce Guidebook for Connecticut: Planning, Negotiating and Filing your Divorce (KFC3700.Z9 S73 — Reading Room) is a do-it-yourselfer's guide to divorce in Connecticut.

USEFUL WEBSITES:

Family Law Forms Online contains forms in PDF format.
Child Support and Arrearage Guidelines has state-mandated guidelines for calculating support obligations.
Do-It-Yourself Divorce Guide is a step-by-step manual in PDF format to walk you through the process with instructions on completing and filing each form
A Connecticut Divorce and Family Law Primer - Created and maintained by Susan K. Smith, a Connecticut Family Law Attorney

WESTLAW AND LEXIS:

Both services offer access to primary and secondary family law materials. Follow the menu hierarchy from these starting points.

In Lexis, from the Database Directory, select Area of Law — by Topic, then Family Law.
In Westlaw, from the Database Directory, select Topical Materials by Area of Practice, then Family Law.
Search terms: Here is a list of potential search terms and keywords and phrases.

Alimony, child support, community property, custody, divorce, dissolution, equitable distribution, mediation, palimony, paternity, physical custody, post-majority support, primary caregiver, separation agreement, shared custody, sole custody, support order, visitation

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