Debra C. Ruel

I practice in the area of dissolution of marriage, custody, premarital and post-marital agreements, post-judgment enforcement of court orders and modification of court orders regarding all aspects of child custody and support, and alimony, as well as the transfer of assets pursuant to a divorce decree. We coordinate the transfer of retirement assets, such as pensions, 401K plans, and executive compensation packages, such as stock options, deferred compensation, bonus compensation, restricted stock, and in kind perquisites awarded by the company. We coordinate the valuation of these assets, as well as closely-held corporations, and family businesses. All of this with the goal of achieving the best result within our equitable distribution laws in CT. I have 2 partners and 2 associates who practice in this area, allowing for the economical handling of the case.

I also practice Collaborative Law. This is an alternative dispute resolution practice, which is handled outside of the court system. I co-founded the Collaborative Divorce Lawyers Association which is a Hartford-based group. Please see 25 years of practice - initially handled civil litigation, personal injury, criminal law and family law (also real estate closings, worker's comp hearings). Practice quickly concentrated in family law, specifically matrimonial law.

Past Presenter of annual family law review for UCONN School of Law Alumni Association; presenter at January, 2009 Family Law Section meeting of the Connecticut Bar Association regarding the pros and cons of the Collaborative method of divorce. Article in August 18, 2008 issue of the CT Law Tribune entitled "Informed Consent: Divorcing Couples Have Options."

• Special Master appointed by the courts of multiple CT counties, and the specialized Regional Family Trial Docket, to help resolve cases awaiting trial
• Former Co-Chair of Hartford County Bar Family Law Committee
• Current co-chair of the HCBA Diversity committee
• Current Treasurer of the HCBA for 2009-2010
• Planning committee member appointed by the court to establish the Hartford Early Intervention Program, designed to identify high-conflict custody cases and devote a "team" of divorce attorney and mental health professional to resolve the issues.
• Current Ct Bar Foundation James W. Cooper Fellow, Education and Program Committee
• Member of the Ad Hoc committee of the Governor's Task Force on Children, (2002-2003)
• Member of the Tri-State Delegation to the Wingspread conference on High Conflict Custody cases (2003-2004)
• Current Board memberships: Greater Hartford Legal Aid Foundation, Children's Law Center of Connecticut (past-president), Hartford County Bar Association (treasurer-elect)
• Former board memberships: UCONN law School Alumni Association (Past President), Connecticut Valley Girl Scouts Council