September 8, 2004		2004-R-0696
STATE ASSISTANCE FOR MEN WITH CHILD CUSTODY ISSUES
By: Susan Price, Principal Analyst

You asked whether there was an official state agency, or someone within state government, to provide fathers advice in custody disputes. You also wanted to know if the Permanent Commission on the Status of Women provides such services for women.

All Connecticut family courts have support services staff who provide information and non-legal assistance to parents involved in custody matters in those courts, without regard to gender. The Permanent Commission on the Status of Women does not provide advice in individual child custody cases.

The following non-profit organizations offer advice or legal referrals to individuals involved in family matters, without regard to gender or financial resources:

1. Connecticut Women’s Educational and Legal Foundation (Information and Referral Line 1-800-479-2949) and

2. Connecticut Bar Association (Attorney Referral Service (860) 525-6052).

Other non-profits limit their services to the poor and near-poor. If your constituent falls within either of these categories, I will provide contact information for those organizations. All provide services without regard to a client’s gender.

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