Arnold H. Rutkin Ret.

Arnold Rutkin is one of the most accomplished and influential divorce lawyers in Connecticut who has made broad and valuable contributions to the legal community. Throughout his career, Arnold has used his great skills of practical judgment, strategy and creativity in representing clients in divorce cases involving complex financial, custody, child support, prenuptial agreements, alimony, and asset division disputes. At the inception of the Law Offices of Arnold H. Rutkin in 1982, Arnold began the task of building a law firm which would bear his name and would consist of a team of highly experienced lawyers and support staff committed to excellence in the practice of family law. Over the years, Arnold has guided his firm to be a truly selective boutique. He insists on handling fewer cases than most family law firms in the state, stressing client involvement and committing a dedicated legal team to each individual client. The team practice ensures that there is a focus on strategy and preparation for all contingencies.

Arnold has published prolifically in the field of family law. For more than a decade, Arnold was editor-in-chief of Family Advocate, the American Bar Association’s flagship national publication on family law. He also founded and was Executive Editor of Connecticut Family Lawyer, the official newsletter of the Family Law Section of the Connecticut Bar Association. Among his best known publications is the three-volume Connecticut Family Law and Practice, Volumes 7, 8 and 8A, which he co-authored with Sarah Oldham and Kathleen Hogan. Published by West Publishing, this handbook for lawyers and judges on domestic relations matters in Connecticut is often cited by trial judges, the Appellate Court and the Supreme Court of Connecticut.

Arnold has a noteworthy record of family law advocacy. As a member of the Executive Committee of the Connecticut Bar Association, Arnold testified at a state public hearing on a bill concerning the relocation of parents with custody of a minor child. The resulting 2006 statute requires the relocating parent to prove that relocation is in the best interest of the child. During the 2012 and 2013 legislative sessions, Arnold was instrumental in forming a coalition which succeeded in defeating draconian alimony reform efforts made by other groups.

Arnold strongly believes in giving back to the community. He is on the Board of Directors of the Center for Children’s Advocacy, an organization dedicated to fighting for the legal rights of Connecticut’s most vulnerable children. He is a charter member of the Foundation of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and serves on its Executive Committee. The formation of the Foundation has helped hundreds of children nationwide who are victims of domestic violence, abandonment, and parental drug and alcohol abuse and mental illness.

American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (Chair, Sales and Marketing Committee 2006-2008; Member, Board of Governors, 2003); American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Foundation (Chair, Fund Raising Committee, 2007-2008; Assistant Treasurer, 2008; Board of Managers, 2006); Connecticut Chapter American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (Secretary, 2008; Chapter Delegate to Board of Governors, 2003; Member, Amicus Curiae Committee, 2000); International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers