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Get Resources For Navigating COVID-19

As a service to our friends and community, Cacace, Tusch & Santagata is compiling information relating to the disruptions caused by COVID-19. Federal, state and municipal governments have all modified their schedules and operations to accommodate the public and slow the progress of the contagion. If you have a court date or a deadline about which you are concerned on a matter we are handling please give us a call and we will provide you with an update.

Also, we have included general statistical information about the spread of the virus locally and nationally.

As always, Cacace, Tusch & Santagata is open and ready to help with your personal or commercial needs. Call or email our attorneys if we can be of any assistance to you, your family or your business.

Be well and stay safe.

State of Connecticut COVID-19 Resource Page
COVID-19 Tracking Statistics

Court & Municipal Information

Connecticut Eviction & Foreclosures

An immediate stay of all issued executions and ejectments has been ordered by Connecticut State Court through March 27, 2020.

Residents are advised to contact their local representative if they receive an eviction or ejection notice.

Foreclosure sales scheduled for March 21 and March 28, 2020, will be rescheduled into mid-May.

Learn More

(Updated 3/17/20)

Connecticut Probate Courts

Probate Courts are seeking to minimize in-person contact and are encouraging people not to visit the clerks’ offices. Cacace, Tusch & Santagata maintains contact with all Connecticut Probate Court’s through their eFile system. If you have a question regarding a matter pending with our office in a Connecticut Probate Court please call and we can address your concern.

The Probate Courts are encouraging all direct inquiries to be made by telephone rather than in person.  (Updated 3/17/20)

The Probate Courts website (ctprobate.gov) has court forms​ and User Guides​ in both in English and Spanish.

Parties to a specific Probate Court case may register as a user in the eFiling system​.

Phone participation in hearings may be available. Contact the local Probate Court for assistance and guidance.

Due to town hall closures, some Probate Courts are only available by telephone, eFiling or assistance through the Probate Court website.

Learn more about Probate Court access.

Connecticut State Court

The Connecticut civil court system has greatly reduced the daily business it conducts at all of its locations. This reduction is ongoing, with judicial business being primarily limited to some criminal matters, juvenile matters, relief from abuse orders, civil protection orders, temporary custody orders, domestic violence matters and issues involving termination of parental rights. Most trial motions, jury trials and civil and criminal matters have been temporarily suspended. All law libraries are closed. If you have questions about a pending action, contact the appropriate court clerk’s office. If you have a question regarding a matter pending with our office, please give us a call.

The Stamford Courthouse will be closed to the public until further notice. Cases from Stamford will be transferred to the Fairfield Judicial District Courthouse, located at 1061 Main St., Bridgeport. (Updated 3/31/20)

One building in each of the 13 Judicial Districts will be designated as the location at which only Priority 1 functions will be handled. View the list of locations. (Updated 3/17/20)

Juvenile Matters will be heard in the Hartford and Bridgeport juvenile courthouses. (Updated 3/17/20)

A number of courthouses are closed, or have limited hours. Effective immediately and until further notice, entrance to courthouses that remain open is being limited to those individuals who are:
• filing or have a hearing for a Temporary Restraining Order;
• filing or have a hearing for a Civil Protection Order;
• filing or have a hearing on an emergency Ex Parte motion for custody; or
• are involved in a criminal arraignment or other criminal proceeding.
(Updated 3/26/20)

See more COVID-19 updates from the State of Connecticut’s Judicial Branch.

Municipal Property Tax Valuation Appeals

The window to dispute a 2019 real estate tax assessment in Connecticut remains open, following a series of  Executive Orders issued by Governor Ned Lamont in response to COVID-19.  As of March 21, 2020 the deadline for filing with a municipal Board of Assessment Appeals (“BAA”) was suspended indefinitely.

The deadline for municipal BAAs to hold a hearing and decide an appeal is also suspended indefinitely. However, BAAs are authorized to hear appeals remotely and many are continuing to operate via online and telephonic resources.

All statutes of limitations have also been suspended, which may apply to any decisions already issued from a local BAA. However, because the Governor’s Executive Orders have not been constitutionally tested, complying with the normal two-month deadline to file an appeal of the BAA’s decision with the Connecticut Superior Court is recommended. Learn more.

If you have a question about the real estate tax appeal process or need assistance considering the merits of an appeal, contact our Valuation Group at (203) 327-2000.

(Updated: 6/16/20)

Stamford Municipal Meetings

The Stamford Zoning Board will conduct its Public Hearing and regular meeting on Monday, March 23 at 7:00 p.m. through a web and phone meeting. View instructions. (Updated 3/19/20)

Stamford’s Board of Finance has delayed all budget hearings for the next two weeks, including all Fiscal Committee budget hearings. (Updated 3/19/20)

The City of Stamford has used web conferencing for internal meetings since last week and may utilize online web conferencing for board, commission, and public hearing meetings when appropriate. (Updated 3/19/20)

Stamford Government Center

Stamford Government Center is closed to all visitors who do not have an appointment with a specific department. (Updated 3/19/20)

Vital departments will continue operations, including: Public Safety (Police, Fire), 911 Communications, Highways Department, and Recycling & Sanitation Department. (Updated 3/19/20)

Engineering Department: All permit applications and payments must be submitted online. Documents for plan review can be left in the drop-box located in the Government Center Lobby. (Updated 3/19/20)

Building Department: Emergency protocol available on the department’s webpage. (Updated 3/19/20)

  • Building permits: Submit online.
  • Inquiries: Contact David Nelson at 203.977.1194.

 

Land Use Department: General information available on the department’s webpage. (Updated 3/19/20)

Town Hall Accessibility

A large number of Town Hall offices across the state are currently closed to the public or are conducting records searches by appointment only. Many municipalities do offer online search portals for land records or documents.

Since this is a rapidly changing situation, other towns may soon follow suit in closures or adjusting operations. Agents and title searchers who intend to visit a Town Hall should call ahead of time to confirm whether there has been a change in office hours. (Updated 3/31/20)

View Latest Town Hall Offices & Links

Voting

Under Governor Lamont’s Executive Order No. 7QQ, issued on May 20, 2020, all registered voters in Connecticut are allowed to vote absentee in the August 11, 2020 primary elections. Secretary of the State Denise Merrill has announced that she intends to mail every registered voter an application to fill out and return to obtain an absentee ballot. The application, which will be sent via the Postal Service, will include a postage paid return envelope. Applications will be processed at the local level and voters who requested an absentee ballot will receive the ballots in the mail, which will also include a postage paid return envelope. Each town will also have a secure dropbox in a prominent location to allow voters to deliver absentee ballots in person without close personal contact.

(Updated: 6/16/20)

Health Information

CT Health Insurance

Access Health Connecticut — the state’s official healthcare marketplace — is now enrolling residents for healthcare coverage. This special enrollment period ends April 2nd. Connecticut residents can call 855.365.2428 to sign up for healthcare coverage.

COVID-19 Tracking

An overview of nationwide testing and health statistics is available at The COVID Tracking Project.

An overview of statewide COVID-19 testing statistics and resources is available on the State of Connecticut’s website.

For the State of Connecticut’s COVID-19 information hotline, dial 211.

Regional information on COVID-19 and resources including local contact numbers is available on The City of Stamford’s website.

Residents can also follow the City of Stamford’s Facebook, Twitter , and Instagram for periodic updates.

The City of Stamford’s pre-recorded COVID-19 hotline is: 203.977.8840.

FAQs about COVID-19 and neighborhood-based volunteer signups are available at this site hosted by a local Health Data Scientist.

Stamford COVID Testing Information

The City of Stamford maintains a dedicated webpage for updates on the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Available testing for COVID-19 (all sites require an appointment):

  • Cummings Park. Operated by Murphy Medical Associates. Open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Schedule an appointment online or call 203.658.6051.
  • Bennett Medical Center Campus. Operated by Stamford Health. Open Monday through Friday, 8a.m. to 4 p.m. Schedule an appointment by calling 203.276.4111.
  • 2001 West Main Street. Operated by DOCS Urgent Care. Opening by the end of next week (March 27th). Schedule an appointment online or call 203.298.4600.
  • Stamford Health announced Stamford Hospital is no longer allowing visitors to “protect the health and wellbeing of patients, staff, and community.”
  • Pediatric and NICU patients will be allowed 2 parent/guardian visitors. Labor & Delivery patients will be allowed 1 designated support person.

Stamford COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Contact Information

(Updated 3/19/20)

Questions relating to COVID-19 testing, infections, and quarantine: City of Stamford’s Department of Health at 203.977.4398 (after work hours call 211) or [email protected].

Questions relating to Stamford Health/Stamford Hospital: City of Stamford Medical Advisor Dr. Henry Yoon at [email protected].

Questions relating to environmental cleaning or personal protective equipment: Director of Lab James Federici at 203.977.4398 or [email protected].

Questions relating to schools and daycares: Nursing Supervisor Pat Caldwell at 203.977.4370 or [email protected].

Questions relating to restaurants, hotels, motels, rooming houses, or pools: Assistant Director of Health Sonia Marino at 203.977.4363 or [email protected].

Questions from the press: City spokesperson Arthur Augustyn at 203.977.5115 or [email protected].

Questions from business owners: Director of Economic Development Thomas Madden or [email protected].

Questions about food distribution or food insecurity: Director of Social Services Ellen Bromley at 203.977.4112 or [email protected].

City of Stamford’s pre-recorded COVID-19 hotline: 203.977.8840.

All other questions: Department of Health at 203.977.4398 or [email protected].

Other contact information:

  • State of Connecticut’s COVID-19 information hotline: dial 211.
  • Stamford Health’s COVID-19 hotline: 203.276.4111.

Stamford Specific Alerts

Closings

Phase 3 of Connecticut’s Reopen Plan is anticipated to begin in mid-July 2020. Phase 3 is targeted to include:
• Indoor private gatherings – 50 people
• Outdoor private gatherings (including Graduations) – 250 people
• Outdoor organized gatherings (e.g. Fireworks, Concert in Municipal Park) – 15 feet of space blanket to blanket, no cap. Event organizer responsible for compliance with guidance.
• Outdoor Event Venues (e.g., Amphitheaters, Race Tracks) – 50% of Fire Capacity and distancing
Get more information.

(Updated: 6/18/20)

 

Phase 2 of Connecticut’s Reopen Plan begins on June 17, 2020. All businesses subject to these guidelines are required to self-certify prior to opening. Phase 2 will include:
• Amusement Parks
• Hotels / Lodging
• Restaurants
• Museums, zoos, and aquariums
• Indoor recreation (e.g., bowling, movie theaters, etc.)
• Libraries Outdoor events
• Personal services (e.g., nail salons, spas, tattoo parlors, etc.)
• Sports and fitness facilities
View the sector rules that apply to businesses.

(Updated: 6/16/20)

 

Phase 1 of Connecticut’s Reopen Plan begins on May 20, 2020. Rules have been established with a guidelines for the following sectors, including capacity limits:
Offices
• Restaurants (outdoor dining)
• Retail Stores & Malls
• Salons & Barbershops
• Museums & Zoos
View the sector rules that apply to businesses. 

(Updated: 5/20/20)

All restaurants, bars, movie theaters, gyms, and commercial casinos statewide have been closed effective March 16th. Takeout and delivery options are still available and encouraged. (Updated 3/19/20)

The following State services have been affected by COVID-19:

  • Connecticut’s Department Of Motor Vehicles has suspended in-person visits at all branches until further notice. (Updated 3/19/20)
  • Connecticut’s Department of Energy & Environmental Protection has suspended enforcement of retailers accepting empty beverage containers for redemption until further notice.  (Updated 3/19/20)

The City of Stamford advises residents to avoid populated gatherings of any kind.

The City of Stamford maintains a dedicated page for closures and services affected by the COVID-19 public health emergency. (Updated 3/19/20)

The following businesses are STILL OPEN: (Updated 3/19/20)

  • Gas stations.
  • Grocery stores.
  • Pharmacies

Restaurants and bars are permitted to continue operating during the pandemic, however they cannot sell alcohol, and any food that is served at these establishments must be for take-out and delivery only, meaning that the food cannot be consumed on-premises.  (Updated 3/17/20)

A list of Stamford restaurants offering pickup, delivery and curbside service is available on the Hey Stamford! website. (Updated 3/17/20)

The following businesses have been closed until further notice: (Updated 3/19/20)

  • All restaurants and bars. Takeout and delivery options still available.
  • All gyms and movie theaters.
  • All amusement parks, bowling alleys, and indoor walkways for large shopping malls.
  • All body care facilities, effective March 20th.

Mayor David Martin announced all Stamford Body Care Facilities would be closed effective Friday, March 20. Governor Ned Lamont announced he would sign a similar order for the state.

  • “Body care facilities” includes — but is not limited to — nail salons, beauty parlors, massage parlors, massage therapists, barbershops, hairdressers, cosmetologists, estheticians, and eyelash technicians.
  • Does not include medical physicians such as chiropractors or physical therapists.
  • Does not include businesses not regulated by the City’s Department of Health such as dog salons.

Stamford playgrounds are closed effective March 17th.

Stamford’s parks, beaches, and parking lots remain open at this time. (Updated 3/17/20)

Activities of 10 or more people at City parks and fields are prohibited. City staff will post clear signage at parks and fields.  (Updated 3/19/20)

  • Residents must take steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by reducing contact with other individuals. This includes canceling sports, group activities, and avoiding any event or outing with 10 or more people.

The National Recreation and Park Association released guidelines on how residents can enjoy public parks and trails while maintaining social distancing. (Updated 3/19/20)

Stamford Police Department’s Records Room is closed to the public until further notice. (Updated 3/19/20)

Department of Motor Vehicles

The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles has issued an 180-day extension for expiring DMV credentials. The extension includes all Connecticut driver’s licenses, learner’s permits, identity cards, emissions testing and registrations. Eligible credentials that expire between March 10, 2020 and June 30, 2020 are automatically covered by this extension. No late fees will be assessed for eligible credentials. Learn more. 

(Updated: 6/16/20)

Grocery & Supply Availibility

Stamford food retail stores continue to report NO SUPPLY CHAIN SHORTAGES. Residents may have had difficulty purchasing essential goods in the past week (such as canned goods or toilet paper), but store owners anticipate restocks of inventory in the coming days. (Updated 3/17/20)

Several Stamford supermarkets announced morning hours will be reserved for elderly residents who are more at-risk for COVID-19 infections. (Updated 3/19/20)

  • Cingari’s Grade A ShopRite Supermarkets in Stamford will reserve 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. for customers 65 and older.
  • Larocca’s Supermarket will reserve 8 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. for customers 60 and older.
  • Acme Markets will reserve 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., Monday through Friday for customers 60 and older.
  • Stop and Shop Supermarkets will reserve 6 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. for customers aged 60 and older.

For residents using toilet paper alternatives: DO NOT FLUSH THESE ALTERNATIVE PRODUCTS. Paper towels and wet wipes will clog plumbing. Widespread flushing of these products will create severe blockage of sewage infrastructure and may result in ruptured pipes. (Updated 3/17/20)

Food Assistance

Person-to-Person serves low-income residents in Darien, New Canaan, Norwalk, Stamford, Weston, Westport, and Wilton who are affected by the COVID-19 outbreak with: (Updated 3/19/20)

  • Food assistance. Groceries and fresh produce, protein, and dairy are available to residents with income below 235% Federal Poverty Guidelines, or employees furloughed due to COVID-19. Please call 203.655.0048 to make an appointment.
  • Stamford’s location is 425 Fairfield Avenue, Building 1, Suite 111, Stamford, CT 06902.
  • Person-to-Person on Wheels mobile pantry serves Stamford neighborhoods with fresh produce, protein, dairy, tuna, beans, cereal, peanut butter, jelly, soups, fruits & vegetables, pasta, and rice. Learn more about locations and hours.
  • Emergency Financial Assistance: Caseworkers meet with clients to determine eligibility for emergency financial assistance for rent, security deposits, utilities, and small emergency expenses. Residents can call 203.655.0048.

Stamford Schools & Free Lunches

Stamford Public Schools will remain closed at least until Friday, April 10th. (Updated 3/19/20)

  • Stamford Public Schools’ “Distance Learning Plan” was approved by Connecticut’s State Department of Education. As a result, out-of-school teaching sessions will contribute to the state’s requirement for a minimum of 180 school days per school year.
  • Superintendent Dr. Tamu Lucero is monitoring the extent of the COVID-19 public health emergency and will announce if there is an extended closure of Stamford Public Schools.

The City of Stamford maintains a dedicated webpage for updates about Stamford Public Schools and the location of free grab-and-go meals available to anyone under the age of 18, from 10 am to noon. (Updated 3/19/20)

Stamford Parking

Pay-to-park requirements for all metered parking spaces in the City of Stamford are suspended until further notice. Residents are encouraged to use pickup and takeout services provided by restaurants and businesses in Stamford. Parking time restrictions are still in place (typically no more than 1 hour). (Updated 3/17/20)

Utilities

The following utilities have been affected by COVID-19: (Updated 3/19/20)

Volunteer Opportunities

Donate to 4-CT, Connecticut’s COVID-19 Charity Connection, to support the state’s most vulnerable residents as they continue to be impacted by the fallout of this pandemic. You can contribute online, by wire, by check or by stock donations to 4-CT.

(Updated: 6/16/20)

Food bank donations are requested for The Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County. The economic impact of this public health emergency will disproportionately affect residents who are most in need. (Updated 3/19/20)

Read FAQs about COVID-19 and join neighborhood-based volunteer signups at this site hosted by a local Health Data Scientist. (Updated 3/19/20)

Connecticut’s American Red Cross has requested residents consider donating blood. A map of American Red Cross chapters in Connecticut is available here. (Updated 3/19/20)

Building 1 Community compiled an Amazon wish list for essential items needed for the community, including detergent, soap, and more. (Updated 3/19/20)

Financial Information

CARES Act Relief For Small Businesses

On March 27, 2020 the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act became law. The act provides economic assistance to various segments of the economy, including provisions designed to provide relief for small businesses.

In addition to appropriating an additional $349 billion for the Small Business Administration’s (“SBA”) Section 7(a) loan program, the CARES Act created a new Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to provide emergency relief to small businesses. PPP Loans are available in an amount equal to 2.5 times a business’s monthly average payroll cost for the one-year period prior to the loan closing, up to a maximum of $10 million; with proceeds used to help cover payroll costs, rent, utilities and interest.

PPP loans are available to businesses operating as of February 15, 2020 that employ 500 or fewer employees, or that meet industry-specific employee limits set by the SBA. Principal and interest payments can be deferred for 6 months to a year. Borrowers can also apply for loan forgiveness, provided that certain conditions are met related to employee rehiring and retention.

Learn more about the CARES Act.

Connecticut Essential Business List

The following list of businesses are deemed in Connecticut to be Essential per Executive Order 7H (March 20, 2020).

View the list of essential businesses.

Connecticut Taxes

(Updated 3/19/20)

Individuals filing Connecticut income tax (Form CT-1040) returns due April 15 should be advised that the Department of Revenue Services (DRS) will adjust due dates for filing and payment of state income taxes to align with any specific, actionable announcement from the Internal Revenue Service regarding due dates for the filing and payment of federal income taxes.

The State of Connecticut has extended tax filing deadlines by “at least 30 days.” Businesses with taxes due on June 1, 2020 have had the deadline extended to July 1, 2020.

Learn more about the state extension for certain annual business tax returns.

Contract Performance

Many private agreements contain Force Majeure clauses to address circumstances when the contract cannot be performed due to circumstances beyond the control of the parties. The COVID-19 crisis may have created circumstances that excuse performance under Force Majeure provisions.

However, there may be requirements and deadlines around formal notice. If you anticipate having difficulty satisfying a private written agreement it is important to understand the contents of the agreement in advance of your default to preserve possible defenses. If Cacace, Tusch & Santagata can be of assistance please give us a call at (203) 327-2000.

Learn more.

Federal Taxes

(Updated 3/21/20)

The Federal Internal Revenue Service has extended the April 15th tax filing deadline to July 15, 2020.

However, taxpayers with refunds due are encouraged to file as soon as possible to access funds. Most tax refunds are still being issued within 21 days.

Taxpayers can also defer federal income tax payments due on April 15, 2020, to July 15, 2020, without penalties and interest, regardless of the amount owed. This deferment applies to all taxpayers, including individuals, trusts and estates, corporations and other non-corporate tax filers as well as those who pay self-employment tax.

Learn more about coronavirus tax relief from the IRS.

Economic Relief For Individuals

Residents who are recently out-of-work as a result of the COVID-19 public health emergency can apply for unemployment benefits with the State of Connecticut. (Updated 3/17/20)

  • The State has provided answers to frequently asked questions about unemployment benefits and how they relate to the COVID-19 public health emergency.

President Donald Trump signed The Emergency Families First Coronavirus Response Act H.R. 6201 into law on March 18, 2020. The bill will go into effect within the next 15 days. (Updated 3/19/20)

  • The bill would — among many other things — provide reimbursements for small businesses (50 or fewer employees) who provide 14 days of additional paid sick leave to employees during a public health emergency. This benefit can be applied retroactively to sick leave taken before the bill was signed into law.

Following the bill’s passage, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin reiterated the department’s proposed $1 trillion relief plan, including $250 billion for cash payments to American citizens. Under the plan, citizens would receive a cash payment on April 6, and another in mid-May. Each payment would range from $1,000 to $3,000 per household.

Economic Relief And Guidance For Businesses

The Paycheck Protection Flexibility Act, signed into law on June 5, 2020, will make it easier for small-business owners who received Paycheck Protection Program loans under the CARES act to use the funds, and to qualify for loan forgiveness. Changes include:
• Extending the period to spend the funds from 8 weeks to 24 weeks
• Cutting the portion required to fund payroll expenses from 75% to 60%
• Extending the covered period of the loan from June 30 to December 31, 2020
• Employer payroll tax payments deferred through the end of 2020
• Employers who can show that some employees declined to return or pre-pandemic staffing levels are not required will not lose loan forgiveness eligibility
• An extension of the payback period for new applicants who are not seeking loan forgiveness or do not qualify, from 2 years to a minimum of 5 years
Read more.

(Updated: 6/16/20)

 

As of May 13, 2020, the SBA issued a “safe harbor” for any borrower that received a Paycheck Protection Program Loan of less than $2 million, stating that these borrowers will be deemed to have made the required certification concerning the necessity of the loan request in good faith. Loans in excess of $2 million will be reviewed. Learn more.

(Updated: 5/13/20)

 

Interim guidance to help businesses and employers plan, prepare and respond to COVID-19 is available from the CDC. (Updated 3/17/20)

  • Guidelines for reducing risk of infection among the workforce.
  • Recommendations for environmental cleaning and disinfecting.
  • Recommendations for businesses hoping to take advantage of delivery and pickup options.

Stamford’s Chamber of Commerce shared information about Norwalk-based OperationsInc’s webinar focused on human resources questions relating to COVID-19’s impact on businesses. (Updated 3/19/20)

A list of resources available to help businesses impacted by COVID-19, including financial assistance, disaster loans, unemployment benefits and proposed federal bills, is available from the City of Stamford. (Updated 3/19/20)

The Department of Economic & Community Development is conducting a survey to better understand the economic impact on local businesses. Business owners are advised to fill out the “Economic Injury Worksheet” found on the City of Stamford’s website. (Updated 3/19/20)

  • Business owners can project revenue loss for March, they do not need to wait until the end of month to file. In fact, there is no limit frame to submitting the Economic Injury Worksheet.
  • Stamford business owners can submit their worksheet confidentially to Thomas Madden, Stamford’s Director of Economic Development, at [email protected].

Connecticut’s Department of Economic Community Development is deferring all Small Business Express payments for three months. (Updated 3/19/20)

  • For small business assistance, please call the Department of Economic Community Development’s business hotline at 860.500.2333.

President Donald Trump signed The Emergency Families First Coronavirus Response Act H.R. 6201 into law on March 18, 2020. The bill will go into effect within the next 15 days. (Updated 3/19/20)

The bill would — among many other things — provide reimbursements for small businesses (50 or fewer employees) who provide 14 days of additional paid sick leave to employees during a public health emergency. This benefit can be applied retroactively to sick leave taken before the bill was signed into law.

Families First Coronavirus Response Act Poster

As of April 1, 2020 each covered employer must post a notice of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) requirements in a conspicuous place on its premises. The FFCRA requires certain employers to provide employees with paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-10. These provisions will apply from April 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020.

Learn more about the FFCRA

Download the poster

New Document Execution Standard

Executive Order 7Q issued by Governor Lamont on March 30, 2020 makes it easier to execute legally binding documents electronically and with fewer people in the room. The Order further refines the electronic notary standards previously issued in Executive Order 7K. It is still a challenging process requiring that the notarial act be recorded electronically and retained by the person taking the oath for ten years.

Most significantly, the new order suspends the witness requirements for documents. For example, until the new Executive Order deeds conveying property in Connecticut required two witnesses to be valid and binding. Excluded from the governor’s order are Connecticut wills, which still require two witnesses, but which may now be executed remotely through the use of “Communication Technology” including the witnessing requirement.

As always Cacace, Tusch & Santagata is open and ready to help with your personal or commercial needs. Call or email our attorneys if we can be of any assistance to you, your family or your business.

Rental Income & Expense Reports

The deadline for owners of rental income producing properties in Connecticut to file income and expense reports with local tax assessors has been extended from June 1, 2020 to August 15, 2020. If you need guidance on Executive Orders that impact landlords & tenants, contact us at (203) 327-2000.

(Updated: 6/16/20)

If you face personal or business challenges, please be assured that our law firm will be available to help throughout this crisis. Call us today at (203) 327-2000.