Section 25-35.Disclosure of Conference Recommendation

Current through August 12, 2025 (2026 Practice Book edition) · Last verified July 9, 2026

In one sentenceThis section keeps a family relations counselor’s recommendation on alimony and child support away from the judge unless the parties stipulated beforehand that it could be disclosed.

Full Text of Section 25-35

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In the event the parties or their counsel confer with a family relations counselor on finances concerning alimony and child support in connection with either a pendente lite, postjudgment or dissolution hearing, the recommendations of the family relations counselor concerning alimony and child support shall not be reported to the judicial authority by the parties or their counsel or the family relations counselor unless, before such conference, the parties or their counsel have stipulated that the recommendation of the family relations counselor may be made known to the judicial authority.

End

Amendment History

(P.B. 1978-1997, Sec. 464A.)

Plain-English Summary

Where the parties or their counsel confer with a family relations counselor about alimony and child support, in connection with a pendente lite, postjudgment or dissolution hearing, the counselor’s recommendations may not be reported to the judicial authority — not by the parties, not by counsel, and not by the counselor.

The single exception is agreement in advance: if, before the conference, the parties or their counsel stipulated that the recommendation may be made known to the judge, it may be.

The rule protects candour. Parties negotiate differently when they know the person hearing them will be reporting a number to the judge who decides the case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the judge hear what the family relations counselor recommended on support?

No, unless before the conference the parties or their counsel stipulated that the recommendation may be made known to the judicial authority.

Who is bound by the nondisclosure?

The parties, their counsel and the family relations counselor alike.

Source & verification. The section text is reproduced verbatim from the official Connecticut Practice Book (Conn. Practice Book § 25-35). Prescribed by the Judges of the Superior Court of Connecticut (Conn. Gen. Stat. Section 51-14). The plain-English summary is original and written by us. Last verified July 9, 2026. · Official source

Also known as: family relations counselor recommendation confidential ConnecticutPractice Book section 25-35CT family services conference disclosure