Among the free and confidential services CFJ offers its clients is the Pro Bono Legal Center (“PBLC”) which provides free family law services to CFJ clients in the Greater Bridgeport area who cannot afford legal representation due to income constraints, financial isolation, and/or who are deemed ineligible for the services of other community partners.

A Client Story

 Joan came to the PBLC for help with a restraining order hearing and divorce action against her husband who had been subjecting her to abuse.

After an evidentiary hearing during which she represented herself, the courts directed Joan to stay in the family home with her 12-year-old child and ordered the husband to leave immediately.

The child resisted spending time with his father, and there was growing concern that had Joan dealt with the divorce case alone, she may have faced highly-contested litigation regarding custody and risked her own access to the child.

With the help of the PBLC, an agreement was reached to engage the child in counseling followed by an issue-focused evaluation by the Family Relations division of the court, effectively allowing the minor child to have a voice in the process.

As a result of the evaluation, the court recognized that the child’s refusal to see his father was coming from him and not his mother and recommended that the son determine whether he wanted to stay overnight with the father. Family counseling between the father and the son was also recommended.

On the financial side, Joan had limited employment opportunities due to a language barrier and minimal education. There were no assets or a home to be divided between the parties and unfortunately, the client depended on her husband’s income to survive.

Through advocacy and negotiation by a PBLC attorney, Joan receives child support until the minor child turns 18 and alimony for ten years, allowing her to pay her current rent. Further, the client is not responsible for outstanding local and federal tax debts that are due.

*Client’s name has been changed to protect confidentiality.