Sec. 46b-21. (Formerly Sec. 46-1). Kindred who may not marry. No man may
marry his mother, grandmother, daughter, granddaughter, sister, aunt, niece, stepmother
or stepdaughter, and no woman may marry her father, grandfather, son, grandson,
brother, uncle, nephew, stepfather or stepson. Any marriage within these degrees is void.
(1949 Rev., S. 7301; P.A. 78-230, S. 3, 54.)
History: P.A. 78-230 changed wording slightly and substituted "may" for "shall"; Sec. 46-1 transferred to Sec. 46b-21 in 1979.
See Sec. 53a-191 re incest.
Annotations to former section 46-1:
Does not prohibit marriage with deceased husband's brother. 12 C. 94. "Sister" includes half sister for purpose of incest
prosecution. 132 C. 165. The marriage of a niece and her uncle in Italy, though valid there and contracted without intent
to evade the law of this state, held not valid in this state. 148 C. 288. (One judge dissenting.) Relationship of niece-in-law
and uncle-in-law held not within enumerated relationships for crime of incest. 158 C. 461.
Annotations to present section:
Former section General Statutes (Rev. 1949) S. 7301 cited. 182 C. 344, 347. Relationship as half-uncle and half-niece
is void. 213 C. 637-642, 644-646, 649, 656.
Sec. 46b-22. (Formerly Sec. 46-3). Who may join persons in marriage. Penalty
for unauthorized performance. (a) All judges and retired judges, either elected or
appointed and including federal judges and judges of other states who may legally join
persons in marriage in their jurisdictions, family support magistrates, state referees and
justices of the peace may join persons in marriage in any town in the state and all ordained
or licensed clergymen, belonging to this state or any other state, so long as they continue
in the work of the ministry may join persons in marriage. All marriages solemnized
according to the forms and usages of any religious denomination in this state, including
marriages witnessed by a duly constituted Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is, are valid.
All marriages attempted to be celebrated by any other person are void.
(b) No public official legally authorized to issue marriage licenses may join persons
in marriage under authority of a license issued by himself, or his assistant or deputy;
nor may any such assistant or deputy join persons in marriage under authority of a license
issued by such public official.
(c) Any person violating any provision of this section shall be fined not more than
fifty dollars.
(1949 Rev., S. 7306; 1951, S. 3001d; 1967, P.A. 129, S. 1; P.A. 78-230, S. 4, 54; P.A. 79-37, S. 1, 2; P.A. 87-316, S.
3; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-4, S. 27, 58.)
History: 1967 act specified validity of marriages witnessed by Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is; P.A. 78-230 divided
section into Subsecs., deleted reference to county and reordered and rephrased provisions in Subsec. (a) and substituted
"may" for "shall" in Subsec. (b); P.A. 79-37 authorized retired judges and state referees to perform marriages; Sec. 46-3
transferred to Sec. 46b-22 in 1979; P.A. 87-316 applied provisions to family support magistrates; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-4 amended Subsec. (a) by adding provision re federal judges and judges of other states who may legally join persons in
marriage in their jurisdictions, effective July 1, 2001.
Annotations to former section 46-3:
Minister who solemnizes marriage must be "settled in the work of the ministry". 2 R. 382. Ordained deacon performing
usual duties of minister held to be authorized. 4 C. 134. A clergyman in performing marriage ceremony is a public officer
and his acts in that capacity prima facie evidence of his character. Id., 219. Proof of celebration of marriage raises a
presumption of its validity. 85 C. 186; 93 C. 47. In absence of proof of authority of justice of peace, marriage void. 129
C. 432. Our law does not recognize common law marriages. Id. Marriage, deficient for want of due solemnization, voidable.
163 C. 588.
Annotation to present section:
Former section General Statutes (Rev. 1949) S. 7302 cited. 182 C. 344, 348, 350, 352.
Sec. 46b-22a. Validation of marriages performed by unauthorized justice of
the peace. All marriages, celebrated before July 9, 2003, otherwise valid except that
the justice of the peace joining such persons in marriage did not have a valid certificate
of qualification, are validated, provided the justice of the peace who joined such persons
in marriage represented himself or herself to be a duly qualified justice of the peace and
such persons reasonably relied upon such representation.
(P.A. 82-166, S. 1, 4; P.A. 84-171, S. 1, 7; P.A. 85-83, S. 1, 2; P.A. 87-587, S. 13, 18; P.A. 89-4, S. 1, 2; P.A. 91-12,
S. 1, 3; P.A. 93-87, S. 1, 3; P.A. 95-6, S. 1, 3; P.A. 96-258, S. 4, 5; P.A. 97-10, S. 1, 3; P.A. 99-20, S. 1, 3; P.A. 01-4, S.
1, 3; P.A. 02-71, S. 3; P.A. 03-238, S. 1.)
History: P.A. 84-171 changed applicable date from May 17, 1982, to March 13, 1984; P.A. 85-83 changed applicable
date from March 13, 1984, to April 29, 1985; P.A. 87-587 changed applicable date from April 29, 1985, to April 19, 1987;
P.A. 89-4 changed applicable date from April 19, 1987, to March 13, 1989; P.A. 91-12 changed "March 13, 1989" to
"March 28, 1991"; P.A. 93-87 changed applicable date from March 28, 1991, to June 2, 1993, effective June 2, 1993; P.A.
95-6 changed applicable date from June 2, 1993, to April 13, 1995, effective April 13, 1995; P.A. 96-258 changed applicable
date from April 13, 1995, to June 10, 1996, effective June 10, 1996; P.A. 97-10 changed applicable date from June 10,
1996, to April 18, 1997, effective April 18, 1997; P.A. 99-20 changed applicable date from April 18, 1997, to May 12,
1999, effective May 12, 1999; P.A. 01-4 changed applicable date from May 12, 1999, to April 27, 2001, effective April
27, 2001; P.A. 02-71 changed applicable date from "before April 27, 2001," to "on and after April 27, 2001, and before
June 3, 2002,", effective June 3, 2002; P.A. 03-238 changed applicable date from "on and after April 27, 2001, and before
June 3, 2002," to "before July 9, 2003," and made validation subject to condition that the justice of the peace represented
himself or herself to be a duly qualified justice of the peace and that the persons joined in marriage reasonably relied upon
such representation, effective July 9, 2003.
Sec. 46b-23. (Formerly Sec. 46-4). Joining persons in marriage knowingly
without authority. Any person who undertakes to join persons in marriage, knowing
that he is not authorized to do so, shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars or
imprisoned not more than one year or both.
(1949 Rev., S. 8595.)
History: Sec. 46-4 transferred to Sec. 46b-23 in 1979.
Sec. 46b-24. (Formerly Sec. 46-5a). License required. Period of validity. Penalty. (a) No persons may be joined in marriage in this state until both have complied
with the provisions of sections 46b-24, 46b-25 and 46b-29 to 46b-33, inclusive, and
have been issued a license by the registrar for the town in which (1) the marriage is to
be celebrated, or (2) either person to be joined in marriage resides, which license shall
bear the certification of the registrar that the persons named therein have complied with
the provisions of said sections.
(b) Such license, when certified by the registrar, is sufficient authority for any person
authorized to perform a marriage ceremony in this state to join such persons in marriage,
provided the ceremony is performed within a period of not more than sixty-five days
after the date of application.
(c) Anyone who joins any persons in marriage without having received such license
from them shall be fined not more than one hundred dollars.
(1967, P.A. 313, S. 1; P.A. 78-230, S. 5, 54; P.A. 03-188, S. 3.)
History: P.A. 78-230 divided section into Subsecs. and made minor changes in wording and added fine provision
applicable to those who marry persons without receiving license, designated as Subsec. (c); Sec. 46-5a transferred to Sec.
46b-24 in 1979 and internal section references changed as necessary to reflect those sections' transfer; P.A. 03-188 amended
Subsec. (a) by authorizing a registrar for a town to issue a marriage license when either person to be married is a resident
of such town, deleting reference to repealed Secs. 46b-26 and 46b-27, adding reference to Sec. 46b-25 and making technical
changes, and amended Subsec. (b) by deleting provision that required marriage ceremony take place "within the town
where the license was issued".
See Sec. 46b-24a re validation of marriages occurring in town other than town where license issued.
Former section General Statutes (Rev. 1949) S. 7302, as amended, cited and validity of marriage solemnized without
marriage license discussed. 182 C. 344, 348.
Sec. 46b-24a. Validation of marriages occurring in town other than town
where license issued. All marriages celebrated before July 9, 2003, otherwise valid
except that the license for any such marriage was issued in a town other than the town
in this state in which such marriage was celebrated, are validated.
(P.A. 79-298, S. 1; P.A. 82-166, S. 3, 4; P.A. 89-151, S. 1, 2; P.A. 91-12, S. 2, 3; P.A. 93-87, S. 2, 3; P.A. 95-6, S. 2,
3; P.A. 97-10, S. 2, 3; P.A. 99-20, S. 2, 3; P.A. 01-4, S. 2, 3; P.A. 02-71, S. 4; P.A. 03-238, S. 2.)
History: P.A. 82-166 extended validation to marriages celebrated before May 17, 1982; P.A. 89-151 extended validation
to marriages celebrated before June 1, 1989; P.A. 91-12 changed "June 1, 1989" to "March 28, 1991"; P.A. 93-87 changed
applicable date from March 26, 1991, to June 2, 1993, effective June 2, 1993; P.A. 95-6 changed applicable date from
June 2, 1993, to April 13, 1995, effective April 13, 1995; P.A. 97-10 changed applicable date from April 13, 1995, to April
18, 1997, effective April 18, 1997; P.A. 99-20 changed applicable date from April 18, 1997, to May 12, 1999, effective
May 12, 1999; P.A. 01-4 changed applicable date from May 12, 1999, to April 27, 2001, effective April 27, 2001; P.A.
02-71 changed applicable date from "before April 27, 2001," to "on and after April 27, 2001, and before June 3, 2002,"
effective June 3, 2002; P.A. 03-238 changed applicable date from "on and after April 27, 2001, and before June 3, 2002,"
to "before July 9, 2003," and specified that the town in which such marriage was celebrated be "in this state", effective
July 9, 2003.
Sec. 46b-25. (Formerly Sec. 46-5b). Application for license. No license may be
issued by the registrar until both persons have appeared before the registrar and made
application for a license. The license shall be completed in its entirety, dated, signed and
sworn to by each applicant and shall state each applicant's name, age, race, birthplace,
residence, whether single, widowed or divorced and whether under the supervision or
control of a conservator or guardian. The Social Security numbers of the bride and the
groom shall be recorded in the "administrative purposes" section of the license. If the
license is signed and sworn to by the applicants on different dates, the earlier date shall
be deemed the date of application.
(1967, P.A. 313, S. 2; P.A. 78-230, S. 6, 54; P.A. 96-3; June 18 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-7, S. 16, 38; P.A. 01-163, S. 34; P.A.
04-255, S. 26.)
History: P.A. 78-230 restated provisions; Sec. 46b-5b transferred to Sec. 46b-25 in 1979 and internal section reference
revised to reflect its transfer; P.A. 96-3 substituted "race" for "color"; June 18 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-7 required that Social
Security numbers be stated on application for marriage license, effective July 1, 1997; P.A. 01-163 revised requirements
re Social Security numbers, deleted requirement for applicant's occupation, deleted provisions re public examination and
filing of applications and made technical changes; P.A. 04-255 added requirement that license be completed in its entirety.
Secs. 46b-26 and 46b-27. (Formerly Secs. 46-5c and 46-5d). Test for venereal
disease and rubella prerequisite. Issuance of license. Sections 46b-26 and 46b-27
are repealed, effective October 1, 2003.
(1967, P.A. 313, S. 3, 4; P.A. 77-614, S. 323, 610; P.A. 78-165, S. 2, 5; 78-230, S. 7, 8, 52, 54; P.A. 79-30; P.A. 93-279, S. 14; 93-381, S. 9, 39; P.A. 95-257, S. 12, 21, 58; P.A. 96-19, S. 9; P.A. 03-19, S. 103; 03-188, S. 6.)
Sec. 46b-28. (Formerly Sec. 46-6). When marriages in foreign country are
valid. All marriages in which one or both parties are citizens of this state, celebrated in
a foreign country, shall be valid, provided: (1) Each party would have legal capacity to
contract such marriage in this state and the marriage is celebrated in conformity with the
law of that country; or (2) the marriage is celebrated, in the presence of the ambassador or
minister to that country from the United States or in the presence of a consular officer
of the United States accredited to such country, at a place within his consular jurisdiction,
by any ordained or licensed clergyman engaged in the work of the ministry in any state
of the United States or in any foreign country.
(1949 Rev., S. 7303; February, 1965, P.A. 94; P.A. 78-230, S. 14, 54.)
History: 1965 act deleted requirements that license certificate must be obtained from registrar in town of residence of
one or both parties to marriage for foreign marriage to be valid and that certificate must be returned to the registrar and
provision imposing one-hundred-dollar fine for failure to do so; P.A. 78-230 restated provisions; Sec. 46-6 transferred to
Sec. 46b-28 in 1979.
Annotation to former section 46-6:
The marriage of a niece and her uncle in Italy, though valid there and contracted without intent to evade the law of this
state, held not valid in this state. 148 C. 288. (One judge dissenting.)
Annotation to present section:
Cited. 213 C. 637, 642.
Sec. 46b-29. (Formerly Sec. 46-5e). Marriage of persons under conservatorship or guardianship. (a) No marriage license may be issued to any applicant under
the supervision or control of a conservator, appointed in accordance with sections 45a-644 to 45a-662, inclusive, unless the written consent of the conservator, signed and
acknowledged before a person authorized to take acknowledgments of conveyances
under the provisions of section 47-5a, or authorized to take acknowledgments in any
other state or country, is filed with the registrar.
(b) Any person married without the consent provided for in subsection (a) of this
section shall acquire no rights by such marriage in the property of any person who was
under such control or supervision at the time of the marriage.
(1967, P.A. 313, S. 5; P.A. 77-14; P.A. 78-230, S. 9, 54; P.A. 86-323, S. 13; P.A. 00-196, S. 25.)
History: P.A. 77-14 prohibited issuance of license to applicants having guardians without written consent of the guardian
and added specific references to Chs. 779 and 779a; P.A. 78-230 divided section into Subsecs. and rephrased provisions;
Sec. 46-5e transferred to Sec. 46b-29 in 1979; P.A. 86-323 deleted reference to guardians appointed in accordance with
chapter 779a; P.A. 00-196 corrected an internal reference in Subsec. (a).
Sec. 46b-30. (Formerly Sec. 46-5f). Marriage of minors. (a) No license may be
issued to any applicant under sixteen years of age, unless the judge of probate for the
district in which the minor resides endorses his written consent on the license.
(b) No license may be issued to any applicant under eighteen years of age, unless
the written consent of a parent or guardian of the person of such minor, signed and
acknowledged before a person authorized to take acknowledgments of conveyances
under the provisions of section 47-5a, or authorized to take acknowledgments in any
other state or country, is filed with the registrar. If no parent or guardian of the person
of such minor is a resident of the United States, the written consent of the judge of
probate for the district in which the minor resides, endorsed on the license, shall be
sufficient.
(1967, P.A. 313, S. 6; P.A. 78-230, S. 10, 54.)
History: P.A. 78-230 restated existing provisions, designating them as Subsec. (a) and added Subsec. (b) re issuance
of license to person under eighteen; Sec. 46-5f transferred to Sec. 46b-30 in 1979.
Sec. 46b-31. (Formerly Sec. 46-5h). Marriage of person whose last previous
marriage was terminated by divorce or dissolution. Section 46b-31 is repealed.
(1967, P.A. 313, S. 8; 1969, P.A. 400; P.A. 73-373, S. 29; P.A. 78-230, S. 11, 54; P.A. 79-298, S. 2.)
Sec. 46b-32. (Formerly Sec. 46-5i). Failure to make license available; penalty.
Section 46b-32 is repealed, effective October 1, 2004.
(1967, P.A. 313, S. 9; P.A. 78-230, S. 12, 54; P.A. 03-188, S. 4; P.A. 04-255, S. 29.)
Sec. 46b-33. (Formerly Sec. 46-5j). Copy of law to applicants. Each registrar
shall issue a copy of sections 46b-24, 46b-25 and 46b-29 to 46b-33, inclusive, to any
person making application for a license.
(1967, P.A. 313, S. 10; P.A. 78-230, S. 13, 54; P.A. 03-188, S. 5.)
History: P.A. 78-230 made minor changes in wording but no substantive changes; Sec. 46-5j transferred to Sec. 46b-33 in 1979 and internal section references revised as necessary to reflect transfer of those sections; P.A. 03-188 deleted
reference to repealed Secs. 46b-26 and 46b-27 and added reference to Sec. 46b-25.
Sec. 46b-34. (Formerly Sec. 46-7). Marriage certificate. Affidavit in lieu of
certificate. (a) Each person who joins any person in marriage shall certify upon the
license certificate the fact, time and place of the marriage, and return it to the registrar
of the town where the marriage took place, before or during the first week of the month
following the marriage. Any person who fails to do so shall be fined not more than ten
dollars.
(b) If any person fails to return the certificate to the registrar, as required under
subsection (a) of this section, the persons joined in marriage may provide the registrar
with a notarized affidavit attesting to the fact that they were joined in marriage and
stating the date and place of the marriage. Upon the recording of such affidavit by the
registrar, the marriage of the affiants shall be deemed to be valid as of the date of the
marriage stated in the affidavit.
(1949 Rev., S. 7304; P.A. 78-230, S. 15, 54; P.A. 02-71, S. 5; P.A. 04-255, S. 27.)
History: P.A. 78-230 restated provisions but made no substantive changes; Sec. 46-7 transferred to Sec. 46b-34 in 1979;
P.A. 02-71 designated existing provisions as Subsec. (a) and added Subsec. (b) re use of affidavit where certificate not
returned to registrar, effective June 3, 2002; P.A. 04-255 amended Subsec. (a) to require that certificate be returned to
town where marriage took place, rather than to town of issuance.
Annotations to former section 46-7:
A certificate of marriage is an original document and need not be authenticated as a copy. 52 C. 526; 57 C. 537; 61 C.
507. When proof depends on validity of form of certificate, same rule prevails in civil and criminal proceedings. Id.,
509. Use of abbreviation not fatal to validity of certificate. Id., 507. Signature on marriage certificate not tantamount to
solemnization. 163 C. 588.
Sec. 46b-35. (Formerly Sec. 46-8). Certificates prima facie evidence. The certificates required by sections 46b-24, 46b-24a, 46b-25 and 46b-29 to 46b-34, inclusive,
or an affidavit recorded pursuant to subsection (b) of section 46b-34, shall be prima
facie evidence of the facts stated in them.
(1949 Rev., S. 7305; 1967, P.A. 313, S. 12; P.A. 78-230, S. 16, 54; P.A. 02-71, S. 6; P.A. 04-257, S. 73.)
History: 1967 act updated internal section references; P.A. 78-280 made minor change in wording; Sec. 46-8 transferred
to Sec. 46b-35 in 1979 and internal references revised as necessary to reflect transfer of those sections; P.A. 02-71 added
reference to Sec. 46b-34(b), effective June 3, 2002; P.A. 04-257 made a technical change, effective June 14, 2004.
Annotation to former section 46-5:
Marriage certificates are treated as original documents and need not be authenticated as copies. 152 C. 575.
Sec. 46b-36. (Formerly Sec. 46-9). Wife and husband property rights not affected by marriage. Neither husband nor wife shall acquire by the marriage any right
to or interest in any property held by the other before or acquired after such marriage,
except as to the share of the survivor in the property as provided by sections 45a-436
and 45a-437. The separate earnings of the wife shall be her sole property. She shall have
power to make contracts with her husband or with third persons, to convey to her husband
or to third persons her real and personal estate and to receive conveyances of real and
personal estate from her husband or from third persons as if unmarried. She may bring
suit in her own name upon contracts or for torts and she may be sued for a breach of
contract or for a tort; and her property, except such as is exempt by law, may be taken
on attachment and execution, but shall not be taken for the debts of her husband, except
as provided in section 46b-37. The husband shall not be liable for her debts contracted
before marriage, nor upon her contracts made after marriage, except as provided in said
section.
(1949 Rev., S. 7307.)
History: Sec. 46-9 transferred to Sec. 46b-36 in 1979 and reference to Sec. 46-10 changed to Sec. 46b-37 to reflect that
section's transfer; (Revisor's note: In 1991 a reference to Sec. 45-273a changed editorially by the Revisors to Sec. 45a-436 to reflect recodification of title 45 as title 45a and in 1993 the reference to Sec. 45a-437 was added editorially since
the provisions of that section had originally been included as Subsec. (b) of former Sec. 45-273a until separated by public
act 90-146 which enabled the recodification of title 45 and the renumbering of Sec. 45-273a as Secs. 45a-436 and 45a-437, but due to an oversight reference to the latter section was omitted).
See Sec. 52-572d re abrogation of interspousal immunity in motor vehicle negligence actions accruing out of state.
Annotations to former section 46-9:
Prior to enacting of this section, wife could not bind herself as surety for husband. 56 C. 151; 68 C. 538. Not construed
as depriving her of the right in equity to contract with her husband in regard to her property. 56 C. 186. Such married
woman, during her lifetime, may dispose of all her property as she pleases. 71 C. 237. Deed to husband and wife makes
them joint tenants without survivorship. 83 C. 581. Rights in building erected on land owned by husband and wife jointly.
82 C. 426; 86 C. 200. Where husband and wife make note jointly, payment of interest by either is binding on other. 81 C.
143. Wife, occupying with husband, cannot hold adversely to him. 76 C. 223. Present status of married woman. 79 C. 24;
84 C. 21; 88 C. 42; 93 C. 358. Married woman may sue husband. 79 C. 24; 88 C. 42; 103 C. 583; 124 C. 543; 126 C. 147;
132 C. 79. She may sue for personal injury to herself; 84 C. 9; or alienation of husband's affections. 76 C. 135; 78 C. 296.
Where wife advances money to her husband, there is a presumption of a gift. 88 C. 114. Estoppel of wife from letting legal
title to her property remain in husband. 87 C. 99. Legal and equitable title to mortgage are not merged where one makes
it and the other acquires it by assignment. 76 C. 223. Husband's right to foreclosure against wife. See Sec. 7325, 7326,
1949 Rev. Id. Wife in whose name husband causes deed of land purchased by him to be taken is bare trustee for him. 91
C. 656. Marriage presumed to be after April 20, 1877, unless proved to be earlier. 93 C. 358. Fraudulent representations
of husband as to title of property held jointly with wife do not bind her if made without her knowledge or assent. 94 C.
227. Cited. 108 C. 730; 137 C. 452. Right given married woman to sue husband denied unemancipated child in suit against
parent. 109 C. 86. Does not indicate a legislative intent to permit recovery for loss of consortium in any action brought by
either a husband or a wife against a third party whose negligence caused disabling injuries to the other spouse. 144 C. 155.
Wife can recover from husband because of delict of son who was his agent but is himself immune to suit. 145 C. 663.
Right of wife to sue husband is a substantive right. Id., 733. Cited. 147 C. 649; 159 C. 486; 165 C. 742, 748; 170 C. 258, 269.
Cited. 4 CS 145. Public policy of this state not opposed to right of wife to sue husband in tort for cause of action arising
in Pennsylvania before parties were married. 18 CS 297. A wife domiciled in Conn., and living with her husband so
domiciled, may not maintain a tort action against the latter in this state for injuries sustained in Massachusetts. 20 CS 403.
Public policy forbids maintenance of negligence action by unemancipated minor child against his parents. 24 CS 382.
Cited. 30 CS 593. Wife may sue for husband's medical expenses for which she is legally liable. 32 CS 156. Spouses
property rights not affected by marriage. 33 CS 44, 46.
Annotations to present section:
Cited. 178 C. 308, 314. Cited. 183 C. 35, 38, 40. Neither marriage nor an action for dissolution serves, in and of itself,
to transfer an interest in property from one spouse to another. 184 C. 530, 534. Cited. 200 C. 290, 308. Cited. 206 C. 31, 34.
Cited. 17 CA 431, 434, 435.
Sec. 46b-36a. Short title: Connecticut Premarital Agreement Act. Sections
46b-36a to 46b-36j, inclusive, may be cited as the Connecticut Premarital Agreement
Act.
(P.A. 95-170, S. 9, 11.)
History: P.A. 95-170 effective October 1, 1995, and applicable to any premarital agreement executed on or after that date.
Sec. 46b-36b. Definitions. As used in sections 46b-36a to 46b-36j, inclusive:
(1) "Premarital agreement" means an agreement between prospective spouses made
in contemplation of marriage.
(2) "Property" means an interest, present or future, legal or equitable, vested or
contingent, in real or personal property, tangible or intangible, including income and
debt.
(P.A. 95-170, S. 1, 11.)
History: P.A. 95-170 effective October 1, 1995, and applicable to premarital agreements executed on or after that date.
Sec. 46b-36c. Form of premarital agreement. A premarital agreement shall be
in writing and signed by both parties. It shall be enforceable without consideration.
(P.A. 95-170, S. 2, 11.)
History: P.A. 95-170 effective October 1, 1995, and applicable to premarital agreements executed on or after that date.
Sec. 46b-36d. Content of premarital agreement. (a) Parties to a premarital
agreement may contract with respect to:
(1) The rights and obligations of each of the parties in any of the property of either
or both of them whenever and wherever acquired or located;
(2) The right to buy, sell, use, transfer, exchange, abandon, lease, consume, expend,
assign, create a security interest in, mortgage, encumber, dispose of, or otherwise manage and control property;
(3) The disposition of property upon separation, marital dissolution, death, or the
occurrence or nonoccurrence of any other event;
(4) The modification or elimination of spousal support;
(5) The making of a will, trust or other arrangement to carry out the provisions of
the agreement;
(6) The ownership rights in and disposition of the death benefit from a life insurance
policy;
(7) The right of either party as a participant or participant's spouse under a retirement plan;
(8) The choice of law governing the construction of the agreement; and
(9) Any other matter, including their personal rights and obligations.
(b) No provision made under subdivisions (1) to (9), inclusive, of subsection (a) of
this section may be in violation of public policy or of a statute imposing a criminal
penalty.
(c) The right of a child to support may not be adversely affected by a premarital
agreement. Any provision relating to the care, custody and visitation or other provisions
affecting a child shall be subject to judicial review and modification.
(P.A. 95-170, S. 3, 11.)
History: P.A. 95-170 effective October 1, 1995, and applicable to premarital agreements executed on or after that date.
Sec. 46b-36e. Effect of marriage on premarital agreement. A premarital
agreement becomes effective upon marriage unless otherwise provided in the
agreement.
(P.A. 95-170, S. 4, 11.)
History: P.A. 95-170 effective October 1, 1995, and applicable to premarital agreements executed on or after that date.
Sec. 46b-36f. Amendment or revocation of premarital agreement after marriage. After marriage, a premarital agreement may be amended or revoked only by a
written agreement signed by the parties. The amended agreement or the revocation shall
be enforceable without consideration.
(P.A. 95-170, S. 5, 11.)
History: P.A. 95-170 effective October 1, 1995, and applicable to premarital agreements executed on or after that date.
Sec. 46b-36g. Enforcement of premarital agreement. (a) A premarital
agreement or amendment shall not be enforceable if the party against whom enforcement
is sought proves that:
(1) Such party did not execute the agreement voluntarily; or
(2) The agreement was unconscionable when it was executed or when enforcement
is sought; or
(3) Before execution of the agreement, such party was not provided a fair and reasonable disclosure of the amount, character and value of property, financial obligations
and income of the other party; or
(4) Such party was not afforded a reasonable opportunity to consult with independent counsel.
(b) If a provision of a premarital agreement modifies or eliminates spousal support
and such modification or elimination causes one party to the agreement to be eligible
for support under a program of public assistance at the time of separation or marital
dissolution, a court, notwithstanding the terms of the agreement, may require the other
party to provide support to the extent necessary to avoid such eligibility.
(c) An issue of unconscionability of a premarital agreement shall be decided by the
court as a matter of law.
(P.A. 95-170, S. 6, 11.)
History: P.A. 95-170 effective October 1, 1995, and applicable to premarital agreements executed on or after that date.
Connecticut Premarital Agreement Act endorses, clarifies and codifies McHugh standards and does not require attachment to the agreement of written financial disclosures, signatures of both parties if signed by party seeking to invalidate
the contract, and delivery of the agreement to each signing party. 48 CS 502.
Sec. 46b-36h. Enforcement of premarital agreement when marriage void. If
the marriage is held void or voidable, an agreement that would otherwise have been
a premarital agreement shall be enforceable only to the extent necessary to avoid an
inequitable result.
(P.A. 95-170, S. 7, 11.)
History: P.A. 95-170 effective October 1, 1995, and applicable to premarital agreements executed on or after that date.
Sec. 46b-36i. Statute of limitations re claims under premarital agreement. Any
statute of limitations applicable to an action asserting a claim for relief under a premarital
agreement is tolled during the marriage of the parties to the agreement, except that
equitable defenses limiting the time for enforcement, including laches and estoppel,
shall be available to either party.
(P.A. 95-170, S. 8, 11.)
History: P.A. 95-170 effective October 1, 1995, and applicable to premarital agreements executed on or after that date.
Sec. 46b-36j. Premarital agreements made prior to October 1, 1995, not affected. Nothing in sections 46b-36a to 46b-36j, inclusive, shall be deemed to affect the
validity of any premarital agreement made prior to October 1, 1995.
(P.A. 95-170, S. 10, 11.)
History: P.A. 95-170 effective October 1, 1995, and applicable to premarital agreements executed on or after that date.
Sec. 46b-37. (Formerly Sec. 46-10). Joint duty of spouses to support family.
Liability for purchases and certain expenses. Abandonment. (a) Any purchase made
by either a husband or wife in his or her own name shall be presumed, in the absence
of notice to the contrary, to be made by him or her as an individual and he or she shall
be liable for the purchase.
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, it shall be the
joint duty of each spouse to support his or her family, and both shall be liable for: (1)
The reasonable and necessary services of a physician or dentist; (2) hospital expenses
rendered the husband or wife or minor child while residing in the family of his or her
parents; (3) the rental of any dwelling unit actually occupied by the husband and wife
as a residence and reasonably necessary to them for that purpose; and (4) any article
purchased by either which has in fact gone to the support of the family, or for the joint
benefit of both.
(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, a spouse who
abandons his or her spouse without cause shall be liable for the reasonable support of
such other spouse while abandoned.
(d) No action may be maintained against either spouse under the provisions of this
section, either during or after any period of separation from the other spouse, for any
liability incurred by the other spouse during the separation, if, during the separation the
spouse who is liable for support of the other spouse has provided the other spouse with
reasonable support.
(e) Abandonment without cause by a spouse shall be a defense to any liability pursuant to the provisions of subdivisions (1) to (4), inclusive, of subsection (b) of this section
for expenses incurred by and for the benefit of such spouse. Nothing in this subsection
shall affect the duty of a parent to support his or her minor child.
(1949 Rev., S. 7308; 1957, P.A. 191; P.A. 77-288, S. 1; P.A. 78-230, S. 17, 54; P.A. 88-364, S. 58, 123; P.A. 92-140;
P.A. 01-195, S. 35, 181.)
History: P.A. 77-288 rephrased section, referring to spouse where previously either husband or wife was specified,
added exception re liability for expenses of last illness of deceased spouse and deleted provision which required that
husband's property be first applied to support family and entitled wife to indemnity from husband's property for any of
her property which was taken or money she was compelled to pay for satisfaction of claims; P.A. 78-230 divided section
into Subsecs., rearranging and restating provisions, and deleted provision re liability for expenses of last illness; Sec. 46-10 transferred to Sec. 46b-37 in 1979; P.A. 88-364 changed the first word of Subsec. (a) from "all" to "any"; P.A. 92-140
deleted former Subdivs. (5) and (6) of Subsec. (b), inserted new Subsec. (c) re liability of spouse who abandons spouse
without cause, relettering former Subsec. (c) as (d), and added Subsec. (e) re abandonment by spouse as defense to expenses;
P.A. 01-195 made a technical change in Subsec. (b) for purposes of gender neutrality, effective July 11, 2001.
See Sec. 45a-393 re payment of funeral and last illness expenses of married person.
Annotations to former section 46-10:
Not necessary to first obtain judgment against husband, and have execution returned unsatisfied. 52 C. 406. Plaintiff
may sue on implied promise created by statute. Id. Liability of husband for goods purchased for family not limited to those
necessary or reasonable. 77 C. 390; 93 C. 453; id., 515. Father not obliged to support child unlawfully detained by mother.
68 C. 256. Husband is liable for wife's reasonable apparel even though he has not abandoned her. 93 C. 515. That goods
were purchased by wife in foreign country is immaterial. Id., 516. "While abandoned by her husband" qualifies next
preceding clause only. Id., 515; 94 C. 267. If goods in fact went to support of family, husband's prior notice to seller not
to extend credit to wife is no defense. Id., 267. Whether a plastic surgery operation to improve husband's facial appearance
is a "reasonable and necessary" expense depends on all circumstances. 100 C. 168. Common law liability to provide
necessaries to wife exists independently of this statute; scope thereof. 102 C. 705. Necessary allegations in action on statute.
Id., 706. Cited. 108 C. 730. Wife is not jointly responsible for every business obligation husband undertakes. 111 C. 306;
115 C. 295; 131 C. 156; 134 C. 332; 142 C. 375; id., 553; 143 C. 443; 144 C. 21. There must be a direct relationship
between article purchased and the family benefit. 121 C. 663; 124 C. 249. Under former statute it was immaterial that
husband supported wife. 112 C. 64. "Family" includes wife. Id. 131 C. 156. In tort action husband entitled to medical
expenses for wife's injuries, both past and future. 122 C. 338. However, in suit by wife against husband, she may recover
such expenses if creditors look to her for payment. 126 C. 146. Statute does not make wife guarantor but may make her
liable on an implied promise. 124 C. 251. Husband has primary obligation to support and may be liable to wife for past
support. Id. Her claim is legal rather than equitable and six-year limitation applies. Id. Her claim not defeated by reason
of having private means. 132 C. 80. Payment by husband did not toll statute of limitations as to wife 125 C. 202. Three
bases of recovery when creditor sues husband for goods furnished wife. 132 C. 77. If wife lives apart without justification,
husband's obligation to support is suspended. 136 C. 685. Husband and wife cannot make contract with each other concerning maintenance or custody of child which court is compelled to enforce. 137 C. 74. Undertaker's services are not included
in those purchases to which the statute applies. Id., 450. Does not modify common law determining conditions excusing
husband from obligation to support wife or child. 138 C. 6. Plaintiff not entitled to recover where her estate had not been
depleted in any way and she had not expended money of her own for support. Id., 701. The husband must provide for his
wife and child within the reasonable limits of his ability. 142 C. 553. Wife's doctors' bills cannot be recovered from
husband as damages in tort action. 145 C. 663. Cited. 155 C. 545. In action by wife for indemnification of money paid out
by her for support of herself and children, it is immaterial whether second ground for divorce was found where it was
proved the defendant had committed adultery and wife was fully justified in living apart from and divorcing him for that
reason. 156 C. 628. Cited. 162 C. 546. Section does not exempt wife from any legal obligation towards family. Husband
has primary duty to support family, but wife is also liable for family expenses. 170 C. 258, 269, 270. Cited. 175 C. 527, 534.
Circumstances under which indemnity is available to wife under this section. 3 CS 211. Cited. 4 CS 144; 14 CS 128;
17 CS 189. There is no statute of limitations affecting this claim. 5 CS 459. Recovery by wife for expenditures for support
of the family allowed only for payments actually made. 7 CS 153; 17 CS 208. Wife's right to indemnity is not defeated
because she has private means. 13 CS 474; 17 CS 189; 20 CS 9. Liability of husband and wife for medical and hospital
expenses rendered a minor child living with them does not exclude a minor married child. 16 CS 84. Conditions under
which wife living apart entitled to sums expended and to be expended by her for reasonable necessities for support of
family. Id., 235. Where wife left husband without just cause and where her return to him was not in good faith, he was
justified in living apart and equitable support was denied wife. 23 CS 221. In absence of divorce husband has primary
obligation of paying for support, medical care and burial of wife, and person advancing money for those purposes can
recover from husband. Such person has legally protected interest adversely affected by purported divorce decree and may
therefore attack decree. 23 CS 306. Judgment against wife leaves unaffected right to indemnification from husband. 30
CS 593. Wife may sue for husband's medical expenses for which she is liable. 32 CS 156. Liability for certain expenses.
33 CS 44, 46.
Annotations to present section:
Cited. 200 C. 290, 307, 308. Abandonment is a defense to liability. 206 C. 31-33, 38, 39. Cited. 234 C. 194, 201. Cited.
235 C. 82, 88, 89.
Cited. 21 CA 200, 207, 209. Cited. 26 CA 737, 738, 744, 746, 748.
Cited. 45 CS 84.
Subsec. (a):
Cited. 206 C. 31, 34.
Subsec. (b):
Cited. 186 C. 167, 175. Subdiv. (6) cited. 206 C. 31, 34. Cited. Id., 31, 34, 35, 37, 38. Subdiv. (2) cited. Id., 31, 34, 36,
39. Cited. 234 C. 194, 209.
Subdiv. (4) cited. 3 CA 392, 393, 395. Cited. 21 CA 200, 209. Cited. 26 CA 737, 742, 744-747.
Cited. 44 CS 169, 182.
Subsec. (c):
Cited. 206 C. 31, 34, 35.
Cited. 21 CA 200, 209. Cited. 26 CA 737, 746.
Subsec. (d):
Cited. 45 CS 84.
Sec. 46b-38. Relief from physical abuse by spouse. Application. Court orders.
Duration. Copy. Other remedies. Section 46b-38 is repealed.
(P.A. 77-336, S. 1; P.A. 78-230, S. 51, 54; P.A. 81-272, S. 1; 81-472, S. 149, 159; P.A. 83-319; P.A. 86-337, S. 12.)
Sec. 46b-38a. Family violence prevention and response: Definitions. For the
purposes of sections 46b-38a to 46b-38f, inclusive:
(1) "Family violence" means an incident resulting in physical harm, bodily injury
or assault, or an act of threatened violence that constitutes fear of imminent physical
harm, bodily injury or assault between family or household members. Verbal abuse or
argument shall not constitute family violence unless there is present danger and the
likelihood that physical violence will occur.
(2) "Family or household member" means (A) spouses, former spouses; (B) parents
and their children; (C) persons eighteen years of age or older related by blood or marriage; (D) persons sixteen years of age or older other than those persons in subparagraph
(C) presently residing together or who have resided together; (E) persons who have a
child in common regardless of whether they are or have been married or have lived
together at any time; and (F) persons in, or have recently been in, a dating relationship.
(3) "Family violence crime" means a crime as defined in section 53a-24 which, in
addition to its other elements, contains as an element thereof an act of family violence
to a family member and shall not include acts by parents or guardians disciplining minor
children unless such acts constitute abuse.
(4) "Institutions and services" means peace officers, service providers, mandated
reporters of abuse, agencies and departments that provide services to victims and families and services designed to assist victims and families.
(P.A. 86-337, S. 1; P.A. 87-567, S. 1, 7; P.A. 88-364, S. 59, 123; P.A. 99-186, S. 2.)
History: P.A. 87-567 amended definition of (1) "family violence" by adding provision re verbal abuse or argument;
(2) "family or household member" by adding "and their children", changing "sixteen" to "eighteen" and adding persons
sixteen or older other than persons in Subpara. (C); and (3) "family violence crime" by deleting former provisions and
adding "in addition to its other elements, contains as an element thereof an act of family violence to a family member and
shall not include acts by parents or guardians disciplining minor children unless such acts constitute abuse"; P.A. 88-364
amended Subpara. (D) of Subdiv. (2) to remove a redundant reference to persons who have resided together in the recent
past; P.A. 99-186 amended Subdiv. (3) by adding Subpara. (F) re persons in, or having recently been in, a dating relationship.
See chapter 968a re address confidentiality program.
Cited. 219 C. 752, 757.
Cited. 42 CA 624.
Creation of a class of victims and defendants does not affect the prosecution of any crime, does not afford victim greater
rights with regard to defendant's prosecution, and is a legitimate classification, being neither arbitrary nor irrational, and
thus does not violate equal protection rights. 46 CS 598.
Subdiv. (2):
Cited. 42 CA 624.
Sec. 46b-38b. Investigation of family violence crime by peace officer. Arrest.
Assistance to victim. Guidelines. Education and training program. (a) Whenever a
peace officer determines upon speedy information that a family violence crime, except
a family violence crime involving a dating relationship, has been committed within such
officer's jurisdiction, such officer shall arrest the person or persons suspected of its
commission and charge such person or persons with the appropriate crime. The decision
to arrest and charge shall not (1) be dependent on the specific consent of the victim, (2)
consider the relationship of the parties, or (3) be based solely on a request by the victim.
Whenever a peace officer determines that a family violence crime has been committed,
such officer may seize any firearm at the location where the crime is alleged to have
been committed that is in the possession of any person arrested for the commission of
such crime or suspected of its commission or that is in plain view. Not later than seven
days after any such seizure, the law enforcement agency shall return such firearm in its
original condition to the rightful owner thereof unless such person is ineligible to possess
such firearm or unless otherwise ordered by the court.
(b) No peace officer investigating an incident of family violence shall threaten,
suggest or otherwise indicate the arrest of all parties for the purpose of discouraging
requests for law enforcement intervention by any party. Where complaints are made by
two or more opposing parties, the officer shall evaluate each complaint separately to
determine whether such officer should make an arrest or seek a warrant for an arrest.
Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, when a peace officer
reasonably believes that a party in an incident of family violence has used force as a
means of self defense, such officer is not required to arrest such party under this section.
(c) No peace officer shall be held liable in any civil action regarding personal injury
or injury to property brought by any party to a family violence incident for an arrest
based on probable cause.
(d) It shall be the responsibility of the peace officer at the scene of a family violence
incident to provide immediate assistance to the victim. Such assistance shall include, but
not be limited to: (1) Assisting the victim to obtain medical treatment if such treatment is
required; (2) notifying the victim of the right to file an affidavit or warrant for arrest;
and (3) informing the victim of services available and referring the victim to the Office
of Victim Services. In cases where the officer has determined that no cause exists for
an arrest, assistance shall include: (A) Assistance as provided in subdivisions (1) to (3),
inclusive, of this subsection; and (B) remaining at the scene for a reasonable time until,
in the reasonable judgment of the officer, the likelihood of further imminent violence
has been eliminated.
(e) Each law enforcement agency shall develop, in conjunction with the Division
of Criminal Justice, and implement specific operational guidelines for arrest policies
in family violence incidents. Such guidelines shall include, but not be limited to: (1)
Procedures for the conduct of a criminal investigation; (2) procedures for arrest and
for victim assistance by peace officers; (3) education as to what constitutes speedy
information in a family violence incident; (4) procedures with respect to the provision
of services to victims; and (5) such other criteria or guidelines as may be applicable to
carry out the purposes of sections 46b-1, 46b-15, 46b-38a to 46b-38f, inclusive, and
54-1g. Such procedures shall be duly promulgated by such law enforcement agency.
(f) The Police Officer Standards and Training Council, in conjunction with the Division of Criminal Justice, shall establish an education and training program for law enforcement officers, supervisors and state's attorneys on the handling of family violence
incidents. Training under such program shall: (1) Stress the enforcement of criminal
law in family violence cases and the use of community resources, and include training
for peace officers at both recruit and in-service levels; and (2) include, but not be limited
to: (A) The nature, extent and causes of family violence; (B) legal rights of and remedies
available to victims of family violence and persons accused of family violence; (C)
services and facilities available to victims and batterers; (D) legal duties imposed on
police officers to make arrests and to offer protection and assistance; and (E) techniques
for handling incidents of family violence that minimize the likelihood of injury to the
officer and promote the safety of the victim.
(P.A. 86-337, S. 2; P.A. 87-554; 87-567, S. 2, 7; 87-589, S. 13, 87; P.A. 95-108, S. 15; P.A. 96-246, S. 32; P.A. 99-186, S. 3; P.A. 00-196, S. 58; P.A. 02-120, S. 1; P.A. 04-66, S. 1.)
History: P.A. 87-554 substituted commission on victim services for criminal injuries compensation board; P.A. 87-567 added "as defined in subdivision (3) of section 46b-38a" after "family violence crime" and deleted former provision
of Subsec. (e) re release of person arrested in family violence case; P.A. 87-589 made technical change in Subsec. (d);
P.A. 95-108 amended Subsec. (f) to rename Municipal Police Training Council as Police Officer Standards and Training
Council; P.A. 96-246 amended Subsec. (e) by deleting references to Subsec. (e) of Sec. 17a-101 and Sec. 17a-107; P.A.
99-186 amended Subsec. (a) to exclude a family violence crime involving a dating relationship from provision requiring
peace officer to make an arrest when a family violence crime has been committed, to add provision authorizing a peace
officer to seize any firearm in possession of any person or in plain view at the crime scene, to add provision requiring the
law enforcement agency to return any such seized firearm in its original condition to the rightful owner within forty-eight
hours unless the person is ineligible to possess such firearm or unless otherwise ordered by the court, and to make technical
changes for purposes of gender neutrality; P.A. 00-196 changed reference to "Commission on" to "Office of" Victim
Services in Subsec. (d); P.A. 02-120 amended Subsec. (a) to make a technical change, to authorize seizure of a firearm
whenever a peace officer "determines that a family violence crime has been committed" rather than whenever the officer
"makes an arrest under this subsection", to authorize seizure of a firearm that is in the possession of any person suspected
of the commission of a family violence crime and to extend from forty-eight hours to seven days the time period after
seizure for the law enforcement agency to return the firearm to its rightful owner; P.A. 04-66 amended Subsec. (b) by
replacing "received from" with "made by", replacing "he should seek a warrant" with "such officer should make an arrest
or seek a warrant" and adding provision re use of force as means of self defense and made technical changes in Subsecs.
(a), (d), (e) and (f).
Cited. 43 CS 441, 442, 444, 449, 450, 452, 453. Cited. 44 CS 121, 123. Creation of a class of victims and defendants
does not affect the prosecution of any crime, does not afford victim greater rights with regard to defendant's prosecution,
and is a legitimate classification, being neither arbitrary nor irrational, and thus does not violate equal protection rights.
46 CS 598.
Subsec. (a):
Cited. 43 CS 441, 443.
Subsec. (d):
Cited. 23 CA 657, 660.
Subsec. (e):
Cited. 43 CS 441, 442, 451.
Sec. 46b-38c. Family violence response and intervention units. Local units.
Duties and functions. Protective orders. Pretrial family violence education program. (a) There shall be family violence response and intervention units in the Connecticut judicial system to respond to cases involving family violence. The units shall be
coordinated and governed by formal agreement between the Chief State's Attorney and
the Judicial Department.
(b) The Court Support Services Division, in accordance with the agreement between
the Chief State's Attorney and the Judicial Department, shall establish within each geographical area of the Superior Court a local family violence intervention unit to implement sections 46b-1, 46b-15, 46b-38a to 46b-38f, inclusive, and 54-1g. The Court Support Services Division shall oversee direct operations of the local units.
(c) Each such local family violence intervention unit shall: (1) Accept referrals of
family violence cases from a judge or prosecutor, (2) prepare written or oral reports on
each case for the court by the next court date to be presented at any time during the court
session on that date, (3) provide or arrange for services to victims and offenders, (4)
administer contracts to carry out such services, and (5) establish centralized reporting
procedures. All information provided to a family relations officer in a local family violence intervention unit shall be solely for the purposes of preparation of the report and
the protective order forms for each case and recommendation of services and shall otherwise be confidential and retained in the files of such unit and not be subject to subpoena
or other court process for use in any other proceeding or for any other purpose, except
that if the victim has indicated that the defendant holds a permit to carry a pistol or
revolver or possesses one or more firearms, the family relations officer shall disclose
such information to the court and the prosecuting authority for appropriate action.
(d) In all cases of family violence, a written or oral report and recommendation of
the local family violence intervention unit shall be available to a judge at the first court
date appearance to be presented at any time during the court session on that date. A
judge of the Superior Court may consider and impose the following conditions to protect
the parties, including, but not limited to: (1) Issuance of a protective order pursuant to
subsection (e) of this section; (2) prohibition against subjecting the victim to further
violence; (3) referral to a family violence education program for batterers; and (4) immediate referral for more extensive case assessment. Such protective order shall be an order
of the court, and the clerk of the court shall cause (A) a certified copy of such order to
be sent to the victim, and (B) a copy of such order, or the information contained in such
order, to be sent by facsimile or other means within forty-eight hours of its issuance to
the law enforcement agency for the town in which the victim resides and, if the defendant
resides in a town different than the town in which the victim resides, to the law enforcement agency for the town in which the defendant resides. If the victim is employed in
a town different than the town in which the victim resides, the clerk of the court shall,
upon the request of the victim, send, by facsimile or other means, a copy of such order,
or the information contained in such order, to the law enforcement agency for the town
in which the victim is employed within forty-eight hours of the issuance of such order.
(e) A protective order issued under this section may include provisions necessary
to protect the victim from threats, harassment, injury or intimidation by the defendant,
including, but not limited to, an order enjoining the defendant from (1) imposing any
restraint upon the person or liberty of the victim, (2) threatening, harassing, assaulting,
molesting or sexually assaulting the victim, or (3) entering the family dwelling or the
dwelling of the victim. Such order shall be made a condition of the bail or release of
the defendant and shall contain the following language: "In accordance with section
53a-223, any violation of this order constitutes criminal violation of a protective order
which is punishable by a term of imprisonment of not more than five years, a fine of
not more than five thousand dollars, or both. Additionally, in accordance with section
53a-107, entering or remaining in a building or any other premises in violation of this
order constitutes criminal trespass in the first degree which is punishable by a term of
imprisonment of not more than one year, a fine of not more than two thousand dollars,
or both. Violation of this order also violates a condition of your bail or release, and may
result in raising the amount of bail or revoking release." Every order of the court made
in accordance with this section after notice and hearing shall also contain the following
language: "This court had jurisdiction over the parties and the subject matter when it
issued this protection order. Respondent was afforded both notice and opportunity to
be heard in the hearing that gave rise to this order. Pursuant to the Violence Against
Women Act of 1994, 18 USC 2265, this order is valid and enforceable in all fifty states,
any territory or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and tribal lands." The information contained in and concerning
the issuance of any protective order issued under this section shall be entered in the
registry of protective orders pursuant to section 51-5c.
(f) In cases referred to the local family violence intervention unit, it shall be the
function of the unit to (1) identify victim service needs and, by contract with victim
service providers, make available appropriate services and (2) identify appropriate offender services and where possible, by contract, provide treatment programs for offenders.
(g) There shall be a pretrial family violence education program for persons who
are charged with family violence crimes. The court may, in its discretion, invoke such
program on motion of the defendant when it finds: (1) That the defendant has not previously been convicted of a family violence crime which occurred on or after October
1, 1986; (2) the defendant has not had a previous case assigned to the family violence
education program; (3) the defendant has not previously invoked or accepted accelerated
rehabilitation under section 54-56e for a family violence crime which occurred on or
after October 1, 1986; and (4) that the defendant is not charged with a class A, class B
or class C felony, or an unclassified felony carrying a term of imprisonment of more
than ten years, or unless good cause is shown, a class D felony or an unclassified offense
carrying a term of imprisonment of more than five years. Participation by any person
in the accelerated pretrial rehabilitation program under section 54-56e prior to October
1, 1986, shall not prohibit eligibility of such person for the pretrial family violence
education program under this section. The court may require that the defendant answer
such questions under oath, in open court or before any person designated by the clerk
and duly authorized to administer oaths, under the penalties of perjury as will assist the
court in making these findings. The court, on such motion, may refer the defendant to
the family violence intervention unit, and may continue his case pending the submission
of the report of the unit to the court. The court shall also give notice to the victim or
victims that the defendant has requested assignment to the family violence education
program, and, where possible, give the victim or victims opportunity to be heard. Any
defendant who accepts placement in the family violence education program shall agree
to the tolling of any statute of limitations with respect to the crime or crimes with which
he is charged, and to a waiver of his right to a speedy trial. Any such defendant shall
appear in court and shall be released to the custody of the family violence intervention
unit for such period, not exceeding two years, and under such conditions as the court
shall order. If the defendant refuses to accept, or, having accepted, violates such conditions, his case shall be brought to trial. If the defendant satisfactorily completes the
family violence education program and complies with the conditions imposed for the
period set by the court, he may apply for dismissal of the charges against him and the
court, on finding satisfactory compliance, shall dismiss such charges. Upon dismissal
all records of such charges shall be erased pursuant to section 54-142a.
(h) A fee of two hundred dollars shall be paid to the court by any person who enters
the family violence education program, except that no person shall be excluded from
such program for inability to pay the fee, provided (1) the person files with the court an
affidavit of indigency or inability to pay and (2) the court enters a finding thereof. All
such fees shall be credited to the General Fund.
(i) The Judicial Department shall establish an ongoing training program for judges,
Court Support Services Division personnel and clerks to inform them about the policies
and procedures of sections 46b-1, 46b-15, 46b-38a to 46b-38f, inclusive, and 54-1g,
including, but not limited to, the function of the family violence intervention units and
the use of restraining and protective orders.
(P.A. 86-337, S. 3; P.A. 87-567, S. 3, 7; P.A. 89-219, S. 1, 10; P.A. 91-6, S. 2, 3; 91-24, S. 3; 91-381, S. 4; P.A. 93-280, S. 2; 93-343; P.A. 96-180, S. 125, 166; 96-246, S. 33, 34; P.A. 97-126, S. 2; P.A. 01-130, S. 13; P.A. 02-132, S. 13,
14, 55; P.A. 03-202, S. 5.)
History: P.A. 87-567 amended Subsec. (c) by adding "to be presented at any time during the court session on that date"
and provision re confidentiality of information provided to family relations officer; amended Subsec. (d) by adding "to be
presented at any time during the court session on that date"; and amended Subsec. (g) by changing "two hundred" to "fifty";
P.A. 89-219 amended Subsec. (g) by increasing the fee from fifty to one hundred dollars; P.A. 91-6 amended Subsec. (c)
by deleting Subdiv. (5) re provision of monitoring systems for all restraining and protective orders; P.A. 91-24 amended
Subsec. (f) to authorize the court to require the defendant to answer questions under oath "before any person designated
by the clerk and duly authorized to administer oaths"; P.A. 91-381 amended Subsec. (d) by adding "pursuant to subsection
(e)" after "protective order" and inserted new Subsec. (e) re provisions of protective order, including specific language
required to be contained in such order and requiring that order be made a condition of bail or release of defendant, relettering
remaining Subsecs. as necessary; P.A. 93-280 amended Subsec. (h) by increasing the fee for person entering family violence
education program from one hundred to two hundred dollars; P.A. 93-343 amended Subsec. (e) by adding provision re
establishment of twenty-four-hour registry of protective orders on the Connecticut on-line law enforcement communications teleprocessing system; P.A. 96-180 made technical change in Subsec. (e) by changing fine from one to two thousand
dollars in accordance with P.A. 92-256, effective June 3, 1996; P.A. 96-246 amended Subsecs. (b) and (i) by deleting
references to Subsec. (e) of Sec. 17a-101 and Sec. 17a-107; P.A. 97-126 amended Subsec. (e) by adding required language
in protective order re jurisdiction, notice and hearing, and validity and enforceability of order; P.A. 01-130 amended
Subsec. (c) to add exception to the requirement that information provided to the family relations officer remain confidential
by providing that if the victim has indicated that the defendant holds a permit to carry a pistol or revolver or possesses one
or more firearms the family relations officer shall disclose such information to the court and the prosecuting authority and
amended Subsec. (d) to make a technical change, to reposition language re nature and distribution of a protective order
and to replace the requirement that the clerk send a certified copy of the order to the "appropriate law enforcement agency"
with requirement that the clerk send a copy of the order to the law enforcement agency for the town in which the victim
resides, to the law enforcement agency for the town in which the respondent resides if different than the town in which
the victim resides and, if requested by the victim, to the law enforcement agency for the town in which the victim is
employed if different than the town in which the victim resides; P.A. 02-132 amended Subsec. (b) by replacing "Family
Relations Division of the Superior Court" and "Family Relations Division" with "Court Support Services Division",
effective October 1, 2002, amended Subsec. (c) by adding provisions re preparation of protective order forms and disclosure
of information for appropriate action and making technical changes, amended Subsec. (d) by replacing provisions re
sending certified copy of order to law enforcement agency with provisions re sending copy of or information contained
in order to law enforcement agency by facsimile or other means and making technical changes and amended Subsec. (e)
by deleting provisions re Department of Public Safety registry of protective orders, adding provisions re entry of information
into registry of protective orders pursuant to Sec. 51-5c and making technical changes, effective January 1, 2003, and
amended Subsec. (i) by replacing "Family Division personnel" with "Court Support Services Division personnel", deleting
reference to bail commissioners and making a technical change, effective October 1, 2002; P.A. 03-202 amended Subsec.
(e) by revising language required to be contained in protective order to specify five year term of imprisonment and five
thousand dollar fine for criminal violation of a protective order and make a conforming change.
Cited. 219 C. 752, 757.
Cited. 45 CA 722.
Ability to issue a protective order, which is a restriction on defendant's liberty, is not punitive but is meant to protect
victims of family violence, and the state has a legitimate and significant interest in doing so. 46 CS 598. Creation of a class
of victims and defendants does not affect prosecution of any crime, does not afford victim greater rights with regard to
defendant's prosecution, and is a legitimate classification, being neither arbitrary nor irrational, and thus does not violate
equal protection rights. Id. Defendant's due process rights were not violated by issuance of a protective order without an
adversarial hearing; issuance of a protective order is not in the nature of a trial, so defendant was not denied right to an
impartial tribunal; summons for disorderly conduct and report from an officer is sufficient information to find beyond a
preponderance of the evidence that a protective order should be issued; there is no right against self-incrimination since
information was not used in defendant's criminal case, but only to determine whether to issue a protective order. Id.
Sec. 46b-38d. Family violence offense report by peace officer. Compilation
of statistics by Commissioner of Public Safety. Report to Governor and General
Assembly. (a) A peace officer who responds to a family violence incident shall complete
a family violence offense report, whether or not an arrest occurs.
(b) Each police department, including resident troopers and constables, shall report
all family violence incidents where an arrest occurs to the Commissioner of Public
Safety, who shall compile statistics of family violence crimes and cause them to be
published annually in the Connecticut Uniform Crime Reports. An offense shall be
counted for each incident reported to the police. A zero shall be reported if no incidents
have occurred during the reporting periods.
(c) For the purpose of establishing accurate data on the extent and severity of family
violence in the state and on the degree of compliance with the requirements of sections
46b-38a to 46b-38f, inclusive, the Commissioner of Public Safety shall prescribe a form
for making family violence offense reports. The form shall include, but is not limited
to, the following: (1) Name of the parties; (2) relationship of the parties; (3) sex of the
parties; (4) date of birth of the parties; (5) time and date of the incident; (6) whether
children were involved or whether the alleged act of family violence was committed in
the presence of children; (7) type and extent of the alleged abuse; (8) existence of substance abuse; (9) number and types of weapons involved; (10) existence of any prior
court orders; (11) any other data that may be necessary for a complete analysis of all
circumstances leading to the arrest.
(d) A copy of the family violence offense report shall be forwarded to the state's
attorney for the appropriate judicial district in cases where an arrest has been made.
(e) The Department of Public Safety shall tabulate and compile data from the family
violence offense reports and report such compilation annually for the five years following October 1, 1986, to the Governor and the General Assembly.
(f) Any person required to report under the provisions of this section who fails to
make such report shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars.
(P.A. 86-337, S. 4.)
Sec. 46b-38e. Medical data collection reports. Form. Compilation of data by
Department of Public Safety. Report to Governor and General Assembly. Section
46b-38e is repealed.
(P.A. 86-337, S. 5; P.A. 91-381, S. 6.)
Sec. 46b-38f. Statistical summary of family violence cases maintained by
Court Support Services Division. Reports. (a) The Court Support Services Division
shall maintain a statistical summary of all family violence cases referred to the family
violence intervention units. Such summary shall include, but not be limited to, the number of family violence cases referred, the nature of the cases and the charges and dispositions.
(b) The statistical summary reports prepared by the Court Support Services Division
shall be submitted to the Department of Public Safety on a monthly basis. The Department of Public Safety shall compile and report annually for a period of five years to the
Governor and the General Assembly the tabulated data of family violence crime reports.
(P.A. 86-337, S. 8; P.A. 02-132, S. 15.)
History: P.A. 02-132 replaced "Family Division" with "Court Support Services Division".
Sec. 46b-38g. Programs for children impacted by domestic violence. The Chief
Court Administrator shall, within available appropriations, establish programs for children impacted by domestic violence.
(P.A. 93-280, S. 1.)
Sec. 46b-38h. Designation of conviction of certain crimes as involving domestic violence for purposes of criminal history record information. If any person is
convicted of a violation of section 53a-59, 53a-59a, 53a-60, 53a-60a, 53a-60b, 53a-60c,
53a-70, 53a-70a, 53a-70b, 53a-71, 53a-72a, 53a-72b, 53a-181c, 53a-181d, 53a-181e,
53a-223, 53a-223a or 53a-223b, against a family or household member, as defined in
section 46b-38a, or a person in a dating relationship, the court shall include a designation
that such conviction involved domestic violence on the court record for the purposes
of criminal history record information, as defined in subsection (a) of section 54-142g.
(P.A. 99-186, S. 1; P.A. 03-202, S. 6.)
History: P.A. 03-202 added reference to Sec. 53a-223b and made a technical change.