The Children’s Law Center of Connecticut, Inc. – Hartford, CT

A Voice for Every Child in Connecticut’s Family Courts

The Children’s Law Center of Connecticut, Inc. (CLC) is a vital non-profit organization in Hartford, dedicated to protecting the legal interests and promoting the best possible outcomes for low-income children whose families are in crisis. Understanding that children are the most vulnerable parties in high-conflict family court cases, CLC provides free, high-quality legal representation to ensure their voices are heard and their well-being is prioritized. Our multi-disciplinary team, which often includes social workers alongside attorneys, takes a holistic and child-centered approach. We are committed to empowering families with compassionate legal representation, mediation, and support to ensure the safety and long-term stability of children throughout Connecticut. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Specialized Legal Services for Children and Families

As a specialized legal aid organization, our services are specifically designed to address the unique and complex needs of children caught in the middle of family disputes. We do not represent adults or charge for our services to children; our sole focus is on the child’s best interests.

• Divorce and Family Law Lawyers: Our primary function is providing legal representation to children. Our attorneys are appointed by the court to serve as a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) or an Attorney for the Minor Child (AMC) in contested child custody cases, including those involving allegations of abuse, neglect, or intimate partner violence.
• Child Custody Lawyers: We are experts in all facets of child custody law, advocating for parenting plans and resolutions that foster a safe, healthy, and stable environment for the child.
• Mediation and Conflict Resolution: Through our innovative ‘Families in Transition’ (FIT) program, we offer a unique mediation service. A team composed of an attorney and a mental health professional helps parents resolve conflicts and co-create parenting plans outside of the adversarial court process.
• Free Legal Guidance: The ‘Children’s Law Line’ is our free telephone service that provides legal information and guidance to families on a wide range of family law issues, including child custody, visitation, and child support, empowering them to navigate the court system.

Advocacy, Training, and Community Impact

Beyond the courtroom, The Children’s Law Center is a leader in advocating for systemic change to improve the legal system’s response to children and families. We provide extensive training to legal and mental health professionals on topics crucial to representing children, helping to elevate the standard of practice across the state. By serving hundreds of children and families each year through direct representation, mediation, and our Law Line, we work to break cycles of conflict and create safer, more stable futures. Our work is made possible by the generous support of our community, ensuring that every child has a powerful voice when it matters most. ❤️