Rutkin, Oldham & Needle, L.L.C. Email Us P.O. Box 295, 5 Imperial Avenue Westport, Connecticut 06881 Phone: 203-227-7301 Fax: 203-222-9295 125 Mason Street Greenwich, Connecticut 06830 Phone: 203-869-7277

We are a boutique law firm handling only family and matrimonial law cases. For over 35 years, the law firm of Rutkin, Oldham & Needle has been dedicated to providing the highest level of service for high net worth, high income, and custody clients. From our location in an historic home in Westport (with a satellite office in Greenwich), our legal team is prepared to counsel and guide you with experience, compassion, and tenacity through what may prove the most difficult and important time in your life.

The firm’s involvement in family law has included: written publications including treatises used by other practitioners and the courts themselves; speaking at and participating in local, national, and international legal seminars and educational events; and precedent-setting litigation in the courtroom. The Wendt v. Wendt case, litigated by the firm in 1997 (when it was known as Rutkin & Oldham, L.L.C.), essentially redefined how the legal community and the greater population across the nation view marital financial arrangements. Courts now look at the true complexities of family life, which for upscale families can include a detailed look at your finances, the efforts that both men and women contribute to the family constellation, and child custody issues. The courts make inquiry into the true nature and value of parental roles, assets, and income.

Whether you believe a spouse is hiding assets or income, or you believe you have significantly contributed to the income and assets of the family or career of your spouse, or your family is involved in a custody or relocation case, you will need highly experienced and understanding counsel to assist you during this trying time. Rutkin, Oldham & Needle, L.L.C., brings you the knowledge, focus, and legal skills needed to handle the complexities of high assets/income or parenting issues. Whether your case requires highly experienced trial attorneys or skilled settlement negotiators, or simply compassion and patience in difficult times – or all the above – we stand ready to help you. Our job is to educate and guide you though the process and help you prepare for life after divorce with competence, sensitivity, and dignity.

About Us – Attorney Profiles

Partners

Arnold H. Rutkin, Esq.

Arnold H. Rutkin has a distinguished career in family law and has helped shape how family law is perceived and handled. Since he began practicing law in 1965, he has developed an unprecedented level of experience in dealing with complex legal and sensitive personal and financial situations. He brings that experience, plus a vast knowledge of the law, the courts, and the practical aspects of litigation and negotiation to his handling of domestic relations matters. He grew up in a family business where he became familiar with business issues. Among his best known accomplishments is the litigation of Wendt v. Wendt, which made national headlines and set legal precedents regarding the way that courts view financial arrangements in marriage – especially when there are significant assets involved. Read more about Attorney Rutkin by clicking on the link above.

 
Sarah S. Oldham, Esq.

Sarah S. (Sally) Oldham joined Arnold Rutkin in 1994, and together they founded a partnership, Rutkin & Oldham, L.L.C., in 1996. Attorney Oldham has an extensive career in matrimonial law, helping clients address the financial consequences of divorce while recognizing the psychological impact of the process for those involved. Attorney Oldham’s deep understanding of family issues goes far beyond her extensive legal training. For a decade before she entered the law, Attorney Oldham was a school psychologist in various Connecticut public schools, as well as in private practice in Westport. At Rutkin, Oldham & Needle, L.L.C., Attorney Oldham handles all types of domestic relations matters, including dissolutions involving complex financial, custody, and visitation proceedings. She also serves as a special master for family matters in the Connecticut court system. Read more about Attorney Oldham by clicking on the link above. 

Melissa Needle, Esq.

Melissa Needle is a partner at Rutkin, Oldham and Needle, L.L.C. She brings a balanced and accessible approach to her clients as they move through the emotionally difficult dissolution process. Attorney Needle has been an attorney for over 15 years, with a long–standing practice in matrimonial law and custody related litigation since 1994. She is admitted to practice law in both Connecticut and New York, and is a member of the Family Law Section of the Connecticut Bar Association. Attorney Needle also serves as a special master for family matters in the Connecticut court system. Read more about Attorney Needle by clicking on the link above. 

Of Counsel

Kathleen A. Hogan, Esq.

Kathleen Hogan has practiced with Attorney Rutkin for over 25 years. Attorney Hogan‘s practice includes many family law appeals to the Appellate and Supreme Courts of Connecticut, as well as trial litigation support and research. The author of numerous nationally published books and articles on various family law topics, Attorney Hogan has written “Child Support in High Income Cases” in the Journal of American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. Read more about Attorney Hogan by clicking on the link above. 

Associate

Alexander J. Cuda, Esq.

Alex Cuda is an associate at Rutkin, Oldham & Needle, L.L.C. Attorney Cuda brings a diversity of experience to his practice of family law. Prior to associating with the firm, Attorney Cuda represented various Connecticut entities regarding corporate, employment, workers’ compensation, and other matters. He has participated in appeals to the Connecticut Appellate and Supreme Courts, as well as to the U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals. Attorney Cuda has served as a judge at the Yale Mock Trial Tournament, and volunteers through the national organization Lawyers for Children America as a pro bono attorney and guardian ad litem for minor children with involvement by the Connecticut Department of Children & Families for abuse/neglect. He is a member of the Connecticut and Fairfield County Bar Associations, and currently serves on a CBA subcommittee tasked with reviewing the law on family arbitration for potential revision. Read more about Attorney Cuda by clicking on the link above.

Please email us or visit our website for additional information.