Welcome

Every Client is THE Client

Introduction to my Firm image
The cornerstone of representation is the honesty and commitment of the working relationship. Honesty is what you will get at the Law Offices of Tamarah Evanko Gay. 

People do not seek out legal help without knowing that they need good, honest and fair guidance. This is especially true in the realm of Family Law. Tamarah will always tell you the truth of what you face even when the truth is difficult. That is her commitment to you and your needs.

  At Evanko Gay Law you receive one on one attention.  Tamarah will guide you through your legal matters, but she will not treat you like a child unable to assist in your case.  She will work with you and ask that you do some work on your matter alongside the firm.  This cooperative work relationship not only gives you full access to your case, but keeps your hourly bill lower.  Further, Attorney Evanko Gay will fight for you in and out of court.  She is not afraid to battle against the tide to get you the outcome you deserve.  However, she works diligently to gain a favorable outcome without destroying your world.   She will not advise you to fight over a $50 coffee table if it will probably cost you $200 in legal fees. Nor will she spend time avoiding the big battles which are necessary.  Sometimes the answer lies in retreat and regroup to come back a different way.  This is the "Art of War".

Honesty is the Key

Child Support

Both parents have an obligation to support their children. The Courts of Connecticut have decided that the needs of the child are above those of the individual parents. Support belongs to the child not the custodial or non-custodial parent. Parents must know that child support pays for rent/mortgage of the custodial parent, the electricity, the internet or phone, the general needs of the child(ren). Think of child support as a large pot where all of those items are placed. You the paying parent will put that money in. The non-paying parent will put their amount in and stir. That is the child's maintenance. It is not just clothing, shoes, and haircuts just as it would not be that if they lived full time with you.

Defense of Restraining Order

Temporary restraining orders are not just given to men. They are only a tool in the arsenal to protect a person from physical harm or harassment. It is vital to defend against a wrongful restraining order. Never just give in because it is easier. There are issue which can come up if you have a restraining order against you. Talk to an attorney because your future rights are important.

Divorce/ Dissolution

It is important that the parties involved in a divorce situation understand and receive their best representation. Representation does not mean that an attorney will go and blow up the opposition. That kind of representation damages your life because after we legal staff leave you are left to pick up the pieces. The best divorce lawyers work with their clients to find a way to untangle the marriage, the kids, the property with as little pain as possible.

DCF Defense

Attorney Evanko has represented parents and children in representation in the juvenile matters court. DCF Defense is a specialized skill set. It is important that the parents understand what is happening and that nothing is quick when it comes to working with the department.

Guardian-Ad-Litem

A guardian -ad- litem or GAL is someone who is able to represent the best interest of the minor child. They may not be hired by the parents!!!! However, it is important to work together with the parents and their family to ensure that the child has the best outcome possible.

Support Enforcement

The support enforcement court ensures that the non-custodial parent contributes to the health and welfare of each of their children. It also ensures that the children are taken care of properly with the funds which are given and shared. Both parents are to support the needs of the kids they produced.

Criminal Defense

I am a criminal defense lawyer. I have spent the previous 12 years working on various types of defense for my clients. It is important that the defense attorney be able to discuss honestly the criteria by which the court must prove your guilt.

Tamarah Evanko


Attorney Owner

Tamarah is a proud graduate of Quinnipiac University School of Law.

  • PO Box 612 Vernon, CT, United States

Criminal Defense
I handle all types of criminal defense work including:

  •      Drunk driving charges and other motor vehicle offenses
  •       Drug offenses
  •       Sexual assault
  •        Domestic violence
  •        Probation violations
  •       Family Violence Education 




When accused of a crime it is vital that you seek legal help immediately. For over twelve years I have worked to help people with their criminal problems. My clients have all seen what it is like to have an attorney who does not care about them. I utilize a client focused approach to criminal defense. A person accused of a crime is not going through this in a bubble. The family of the accused is suffering also. Those who need help are often using family to pay for their defense. However, they are often in jail and helpless to lead their counsel. In my practice, I allow those in need to work with me on their defense. This allows for ownership of the results and a better understood defendant. Look below for some answered questions, but call me and talk about what is needed.

If I learn that I have been accused of a crime?
It is important that you talk to an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible, before you talk to anyone else, especially the police. Nothing should be done by you until you have spoken to an experienced criminal defense attorney. The right advice depends on the facts and circumstances of each case. Prompt and timely legal advice is always the best defense against criminal charges.


What happens if I have a DUI?
Once a person has a DUI arrest, they are required to go through the entire legal process to clear their name. In some cases the person is able to avoid the stigma of a criminal record by going through aversion courses. However, these courses come with a cost, which at the moment costs approximately $200.
2. The administrative action
The use of a course in the criminal system does not end the dilemma faced by a DUI arrest. The arrest also has ramifications within the DMV, which is completely separate from the criminal action. A person can have a favorable criminal outcome and manage to salvage their good name and still loose their license in an administrative proceeding.

At Evanko Law, we will take you through the entire process of both courts and assist you in handling each process with the least harm to your life as possible.
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Divorce and Divorcing Families

The process of divorce means a permanent change in your life. It is a restructuring of your family unit that takes careful consideration. No matter how   Now that you have decided to get divorced life will never be the same again for you, your children, and your soon to be ex spouse.  This process can be just as hard on LGBTQ or Lifestyle people.  All of these issues make divorce a tricky subject nonetheless.  Let me help you through the process of starting over. 

 
For parents, divorce can bring about feelings of anger, shame, remorse, and fear. It is not only the parents who separate, but the children who also have to deal with the loss and confusion that divorce can bring about. It is imperative that divorcing or separating parents have a solid plan of action to allow as much of a normal life for the child as possible.  This can be done by structuring a parenting plan which focuses on the needs of the children and not just that of the individual parent.  Not every plan works for every family.  

 

I work on the principal that divorce is painful enough without resorting to ongoing fighting and back stabbing. My staff and I want for your family what you wanted when the marriage began, to have a happy life.

 

The goal of many parents should be the health and emotional welfare of their children. However, this is often not the case when fighting and accusations get in the way of the needs of the only innocent parties to the divorce. We at Evanko Law work to re-focus our clients on the life they want after the temporary trauma of the divorce process has ended. Whether it is the end of a toxic and volatile relationship or the amicable end of time together, we can help.

Call us at (860) 785-6013 or email us at tamarah@ctfamilylawyer.com or evankolaw@outlook.com for a Free 30 minute Consultation.


Stages of a Divorce

1. In Connecticut it takes 90 days from the time of filing to complete a divorce. Around the 91st day you will return to court and if completely ready then the parties can get a final hearing on the dissolution. During those 90 days the couple must either come to an agreement on all the personal issues to be able to divorce on the 91st day or at your Case Management Date. If the parties are not in agreement on all or most of the issues then they will have to leave those issues for the court to decide.

2. When it comes to division of property, custody of children, or support it is always better for those who know the situation best to make the decisions. We at Evanko Law work with you and your ex-partner (as best as possible) to ease your transition and guide you in this often complicated and overwhelming process.

3. The court cost will be $360. The fee for service usually costs about $65.


4. Each parent may apply for custody of their child, which is done at the beginning of the case. However, if they cannot come to an agreement on their own, it is up to the courts to make a decision. The state of Connecticut will decide based on the best interest of the child. Should the parents not be able to decide the Court will often ask "family relations" to assist OR a party OR the court may request the assistance of a GAL (guardian ad litem).

Each parent will be required to attend a parenting class which at present runs approx. $125.

5. Parents must not forget all of the small decisions which if not handled now may cause trouble in the future.  Some of those are:
  1.   how their children will be raised and if there is a remarriage
  2.   how the children will be involved in the lives of future siblings
  3.   what happens if a parent needs to move for work.
  4.  Now, even the cost of secondary education is a question that parents must consider.
    1. Questions like: Which parent will pay for college and how much? Should each parent be required to put money into a college savings, if so how much?
 
Often for divorcing parents this is not a consideration. Would you want to leave those questions open?

6. Community property must be settled during the divorce process. This includes real estate whether purchased during the marriage or prior, vehicles, antiques, jewelry, heirlooms, etc.

At the final hearing on your divorce, Evanko Law wants to be sure that you have settled all the elements which could be settled and ensure that you can move on with your life by getting a fresh start.


Probate image

WILLS AND PROBATE


Here is a list of items all adults should have because you never know what may happen:
1. Will
2. Living Will/Medical directive
3. Durable Power of Attorney
4. General financial Estate Planning/Trusts
WILLS
You plan for vacations. You plan for your first home. You plan for your retirement, but you should also plan for your final wishes. For all the expenses a family has to take care of, the writing of a will or handling probate is not normally the top of the to do list.   Writing a will is usually not at the top of anyone’s happy plans, but it is a necessary part of life. If you don’t decide what happens to your personal belongings then the state will and it will not likely be your wishes. Let us help you plan for the future that we all will face.

Living Will/Medical Directive
A living will is a written statement detailing a person's desires regarding their medical treatment in circumstances in which they are no longer able to express informed consent, especially an advance directive.
An advance medical directive is a document by which a person makes provision for health care decisions in the event that, in the future, he/she becomes unable to make those decisions.

Durable Power of Attorney
A durable power of attorney simply means that the document stays in effect if you become incapacitated and unable to handle matters on your own. (Ordinary, or "nondurable," powers of attorney automatically end if the person who makes them loses mental capacity.)

General Financial Estate Planning/Trusts
Estate planning is the act of preparing for the transfer of a person's wealth and assets after his or her death. Assets, life insurance, pensions, real estate, cars, personal belongings, and debts are all part of one's estate.

Trusts are a fiduciary relationship in which one party, known as a trustor, gives another party, the trustee, the right to hold title to property or assets for the benefit of a third party, the beneficiary.

There are two types of trusts:
1. Living Trust (inter-vivos): A trust that is in effect during the trustor's lifetime.
2. Testamentary Trust: A trust that is created through the will of a deceased person. 

For example, a trust can be used if a beneficiary is under age or has a mental disability that impairs the person's ability to maintain his or her own finances. Once the beneficiary is deemed able to manage the funds or assets by the terms dictated under the trust, the beneficiary will receive possession of the trust. The trust is taxed on any funds not distributed to the beneficiary.


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PERSONAL INJURY


What is  personal injury?

Personal injury is a tort action where a person or his property is wrongfully injured by the negligence of another. A tort is a civil wrong for which the law provides a remedy in the form of damages.
 

Recoverable damages include the cost of medical and hospital bills, loss of earnings, lost earning capacity, property damage, pain and suffering, emotional distress and any other loss which can be proven in court. A personal injury can happen at anytime or place and is always unexpected.

Types of personal injury include slips and fall, auto accidents, assault and battery to name just a few.
We at Evanko Law can and will help you to get a fair result in the case. We will endeavor to get you the treatment you deserve and hold the other party responsible.
 
CONTACTMe:  Tamarah@ctfamilylawyer.com


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Pandemic Covid-19 2020

My assistance on the coronavirus

Read More  
About image

 
Handling a Family Court Delay /Custody Battle during
Covid-19 Pandemic
2020
  

What is the Coronavirus

  • The coronavirus is part of a group of viruses which cause a host of respiratory illnesses.  The common cold is a version of the coronavirus.  So, the word corona stands for any virus within a group or classification.  Other viruses like SARS.  According to the CDC website Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in people and many different species of animals, including camels, cattle, cats, and bats. Rarely, animal coronaviruses can infect people and then spread between people such as with MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV, and now with this new virus (named SARS-CoV-2).

  • Where did the virus come from anyway?
  • Well according to the CDC the virus began in Wuhan China.  Early on, many of the patients at the epicenter of the outbreak in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China had some link to a large seafood and live animal market, suggesting animal-to-person spread. Later, a growing number of patients reportedly did not have exposure to animal markets, indicating person-to-person spread. (CDC website).






Overview of the Court COOP plan.
The COOP plan from the court has been laid out.  It determined that only priority 1 business shall be allowed to go to court until March 27th. An evaluation shall be done during that time to see how court cases may continue.  Most cases are moved and rescheduled by the courts.


Statement from Judge Patrick L. Carroll III
Chief Court Administrator
March 12, 2020
The Judicial Branch today implemented various measures as a result of concern over the spread of the COVID-19/coronavirus and in recognition of the public health emergency declaration Governor Lamont issued.  It is also important to note, in the clearest terms possible, that the courts of the State of Connecticut are open and will remain open.  
These measures are:
 Under the terms and provisions of the Judicial Branch’s Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP), commencing Monday, March 16, 2020, and continuing through March 27, 2020, the courts will schedule and hear only those matters identified as “Priority 1 Business Functions.”  
 
The following matters are Priority 1 Business Functions: o Criminal arraignments and domestic violence arraignments;
 o Juvenile detention hearings;
o Family orders of relief from abuse;
 o Civil orders of relief from abuse
 o Civil protection orders
o Ex parte motions
 o Orders of temporary custody
o Orders to appear
 o Emergency ex parte order of temporary custody
 o Juvenile detention operations for detainees held for juvenile court
 o Termination of parental rights
 o Domestic violence victim notification
 o Civil and family capias mittimus execution and bond reviews
 
 With the exception of jury trials already in progress and criminal jury trials necessitated by the filing and granting of a speedy trial motion, all jury trials, civil and criminal, are suspended for the next 30 days.
Consistent with guidance offered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Connecticut Department of Public Health, these measures are being taken to reduce the number of people entering our courthouses in an effort to mitigate the potential for spreading of the virus.
OK…. I Read This Now What Does It Mean?
For you in particular, this means that your case will not be heard in the near future.  Any cases scheduled would be marked OFF (off the calendar) by the Court.  This is the same as the court filing a continuance on its own.  The reschedules dates will have to be adjusted based on your time, time of the opposition and any attorneys involved.  If you have any scheduled meetings with family relations, then please call them and see if they will be moved also.
Parents should limit transfers in crowded public places.  Social distancing is being requested by the doctors of the U.S.  Social distancing is labeled as remaining six feet or two meters from one another.  It is important that you and your opposition use best practices when dealing with exchanges.  Wash the hands of the kids (carry baby wipes) when they come or go.  Explain to the other parent that you are not saying anything bad about them, but that you are being supportive of your child’s health.  Remind your children to wash often and try to not touch their faces a lot. 
For those whose visitation was in the community and your location is now closed.  The weather is improving, so parks are often an option. If you need to be indoors seek out public restaurants and sometimes even grocery stores have table for your to meet.  Malls are not a great location for social distance practicing.
Sick Children: When a child is sick and it is time for parenting swaps, it is often difficult to decide whether to send the child or not.  Should you keep a child at home if sick?  The answer to that question depends on the ailment of the child.  If the child has a simple cold, stomachache, headache or minor digestive issues; then parenting time should remain as scheduled.  The other parent can often handle these minor issues themselves.  Remember that you would want the other parent to treat you with the same respect.
The child who is sick with a fever, throwing up, diarrhea or possibly has coronavirus should not be transferred.  Phone the other parent and ensure that they know what is happening with your child.  Promise to keep them informed of progress of the illness.  If this is needed then the parent should take the child to the doctor as soon as possible.  This concept and plan is often supported by the court judges.  This can be difficult if a parent is known to fake illnesses. 
As for parents getting sick or getting the Covid-19…
It is my opinion that if the parent comes up sick with the virus, then the other parents should follow any isolation protocols which the government has established.  The isolation at the writing of this memo is the following.  Self-induced isolation should be followed for fourteen days.  If the person shows no signs of getting ill (sore throat, sudden fever, breathing difficulties) then they may leave isolation.  If the ill parent has been at home then the child should remain away from them until they have had three tests of negative for the virus.  This 3 testing is what has been put in place based on the CDC recommendations. The child should be able to skype, DUO and use other ways of being together without contact closer than six feet away.  This is hard to do, but necessary to control the spread of the virus.
What about the custody
Many of you are still in the midst of deciding custody with the person who is the other person.  I am working with the opposition in your case to settle your case and keep progress going on the matter.  In some cases this work is done with the attorney on the other side.  In other cases, this work is done with the opposition and doing a non-traditional mediation.  The courts’ restriction for cases make it impossible to handle any contempt matters.  Those matters will be dealt with when the courts return to the normal practice.  When you have issues which require assistance please text or email problems and I will assist when and where I am able. 
Please continue to keep your schedule as you have done for the last few months.  Unless you have an agreement to otherwise make changes; your kids lives should remain the same. 
Home Preparation
I am writing this part to advise you on home preparation.  You should be prepared to work from home, if available.  Many schools have already closed and many more are going to close.  When they will reopen is questionable.  So below is a list of items that general prepared people should have on hand.
Medication: if you can get medication in 90 day supplies then by all means get those.  If you are typically slow in renewal of the medications, then now is the time to get the renewal.  Make sure children’s medications are up to date and have asthma meds in both homes.  If you have trouble with this than call the doctors and they will order you double to medication to split.  Make sure that the children take the medications. 
Food:  Make sure that the food you have is not expired.  We all keep food past the expiration date.  We buy things which we intend to eat, but do not get around to it.  This is the good time to clean and restock.  Once you restock what should you use?  Make sure that you have non-perishable food you will actually eat.  Do not worry about the food that you believe will be good.  Rice and beans are great, but only if you are actually going to eat rice and beans every day.  Buy things that will have lots of good nutrients.  This is not the time to stock up on snack foods for the kiddos. 
Fruit: long lasting fruits and vegetables are great.  Make sure that you get canned, jar, or other items as needed for three weeks of 3 meals a day.
Canned:  Beans are a good source of protein and can be good, but only if you will eat them.  Canned fish, meats, chicken are all good opportunities to make meals and that have protein. 
Others:
Seeds, nuts, and other items of the like can be added to meals or as good long-term snacks.   Cheese, milk, eggs should all be a part of the amounts needed. Please remember that you should stock the things you will eat.
Conclusion:
I am available to assist you in the coming days.  I will be following the same state recommendations for distancing.  I will no longer be shaking hands, giving hugs (which I am known to do).  I can be reached by phone at 860-785-6013 by text at the same number.  I can have video conferencing and mediation between the parties.  I will be limiting in person meetings for the foreseeable future, but I am in no way disappearing.
Be safe and God Bless
Tamarah Gay