Services

To learn more about one of our areas of practice, please click on one of the links below:

DIVORCE AND CHILD CUSTODY

The attorneys at Collins, Deans and Melocowsky have significant experience in assisting individuals with the sometimes difficult and emotional negotiations that are part of a divorce or formal separation. We support our clients with compassion and understanding, while at the same time vigorously pursuing their legal rights.
Our attorneys have extensive trial experience in divorce and custody matters. This includes visitation issues, relocation, complex financial matters, property division, alimony and support. We also handle post-judgment modifications when there have been a substantial change in circumstances.

Our firm has extensive experience in the local courts and we are frequently asked by the courts to serve as Guardian Ad Litem to represent the best interests of children

CRIMINAL DEFENSE AND DUI

When someone has a problem with the law, a criminal defense attorney can provide substantial help in minimizing the damage. Not every accused criminal is acquitted, but a considerable amount of negotiating room is often available in terms of final charges and sentencing. We have been very successful in assisting persons charged with all major felonies and misdemeanors at the Federal and State Court level. The attorneys in our firm have extensive experience also with jury and bench trials and we handle appeals. We also represent minors charged with crimes in the local juvenile courts, and we handle DMV Administrative Hearings.

PERSONAL INJURY

When an accident involving a personal injury occurs, money settlements are often available from the person, company or municipality, who is found to be at fault. This is a highly specialized area of the law, requiring medical knowledge, as well as experience in placing a dollar value on the injury, considering the age, sex and earning potential of the victim. Our attorneys have years of experience in handling these matters for clients and achieving significant recoveries.
The cases we have handled include wrongful death claims, auto accidents, medical malpractice, permanent disability and a variety of negligence claims. We will prepare a demand package base on the value of your claim. This will include documentation of your injuries, potential future disability, medical costs incurred, anticipated future medical costs, lost wages, impairment of earning capacity, loss of consortium, and any other relevant information. In the event we cannot reach a reasonable settlement, we will pursue a court action on your behalf.

PROBATE AND ESTATE SETTLEMENT

We have over a hundred combined years of experience in settling the estates of people who have recently passed away. We are familiar with the necessary Probate procedures and estate tax matters, both federal and state. We are frequently engaged by the people named as executors in a Will, with the understanding that our expertise and knowledge can simplify what can be a difficult task for them. We take care of making life insurance claims, cashing in on investments, paying final bills, selling real estate, obtaining Probate Court approvals were necessary, and resisting wrongful claims by heirs or other people. The local Probate Courts are familiar with us and respect our work, often asking us to handle matters for people who passed away without leaving a Will.

WILLS AND TRUSTS

Drafting wills and trusts can be relatively simple, or highly complex, depending on the family circumstances. You can achieve peace of mind by knowing that, whatever comes along, you have provided for the future and made sure that what you want to happen is what will happen. If a person passes away without a Will, leaving a spouse and children, the children get one third or one half of the state, depending on their number, and the spouse only gets the remainder. This is not what most people would want. Typically, the Will would leave everything to the spouse, if living. Couples with minor children should have a Will naming who the custodian would be if both spouses passed away. Trusts can be used to provide for the financial well-being of minor or older children, and are instrumental in estate tax planning for larger states. For people who die without leaving a Will, Connecticut laws of intestacy take over, and they do not provide what most people commonly want.

JUVENILE AND DCF MATTERS

Our attorneys handle all aspects of juvenile delinquency cases including all felony and misdemeanor charges. We also represent parents and children in neglect petitions and petitions to terminate parental rights. This includes DCF Administrative hearings to contest abuse/neglect substantiations, trials at the Superior Court level, administrative appeals and appellate work. We also provide services for adoptive parents regarding open adoption agreements.

REAL ESTATE

A significant part of our practice involves assisting our clients in buying, refinancing and selling houses. We provide a full range of residential real estate services to buyers and sellers. We respect the value of your time and money, and we work hard to handle real estate transactions as smoothly and efficiently as possible. We have a full staff of highly experienced paralegals who are dedicated to real estate transactions, and who make every effort to make your transaction smooth and stress-free. You will benefit from the personal attention, unbeatable service, and affordable rates that we provide. Phone calls and e-mails are always returned as soon as possible and you are always kept fully informed and actively involved in your closing.