OLR Bill Analysis

HB 5510

AN ACT PROVIDING NOTICE OF PENDING FAMILY RELATIONS MATTERS TO JUDGES IN FAMILY VIOLENCE CASES.

SUMMARY:

This bill requires court clerks to notify judges presiding over family violence cases of any pending civil family relations matter involving the same parties. The notice can be written or oral and must be available to the judge at the defendant's first scheduled court appearance.

By law, family violence cases are those involving an incident, other than the non-abusive disciplining of a minor child, between family or household members that either causes physical injury or creates fear that physical injury is about to occur. Family relations matters include divorce, legal separation, marriage annulment, alimony, child support, and paternity.

EFFECTIVE DATE: October 1, 2012

BACKGROUND

Related Bill

sHB 5548, also favorably reported by the Judiciary Committee, provides family violence victims with greater support from courts, law enforcement agencies, and victim services providers.

COMMITTEE ACTION

Judiciary Committee

Joint Favorable