Attorney Alex J. Ricciardone

02/20/2026

Different households, one priority. ❤️

When parents are not married, custody and parenting rights are not automatic—they must be clearly established through a legal custody and parenting plan.

Being listed on a child’s birth certificate does not, by itself, determine custody, parenting time, or decision-making authority. Those issues are decided by the court based on the child’s best interests.

If parents are no longer in a relationship but are co-parenting, having clear, written agreements in place is critical. Written custody and parenting plans help set expectations, reduce misunderstandings, and provide fairness and consistency for both parents—most importantly, for the child.

If you are an unmarried parent navigating custody, parenting plans, or child support in Connecticut, early legal guidance can help protect your rights and create stability moving forward.

02/16/2026

🚨 CT Parents & Homeowners: Underage Drinking in Your Home Can Ruin Lives — and Yours.

Giving alcohol to anyone under 21 isn’t harmless. It’s illegal.

Connecticut’s Social Host Law (C.G.S. § 30-89a) makes it a Class A misdemeanor — up to 1 year in jail and a $2,000 fine — if you allow minors to drink on your property, even if you didn’t buy the alcohol.

Criminal charges are just the start.

If an intoxicated minor leaves your house and crashes, gets hurt, or worse, you can be sued personally. Most homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it.

Underage drinking causes brain damage, addiction, assaults, and fatal crashes.

Don’t risk it.

02/08/2026

❄️ Shoveling the Sidewalk: Is it Just a Chore, or a Legal Liability?

In Connecticut, a picturesque winter can turn into a legal headache faster than you can say "black ice." Many ask: "Am I actually liable if someone slips on the sidewalk in front of my house?"

The answer? It depends on where you live! 🏠⚖️

Here is the "Cold" Hard Truth:

The General Rule: Historically, the town—not the homeowner—was responsible for public sidewalks.

The "Ordinance" Exception: Most CT towns (like Hartford, New Haven, Plainville, Meriden and Southington) have passed ordinances that shift this duty to YOU. If your town has adopted CGS § 7-163a, you are legally required to clear snow and ice, and you could be held liable for injuries if you don't.

The "Positive Act" Rule: Even in towns without that ordinance, you can be liable if you make the sidewalk more dangerous—for example, by plowing snow into frozen ridges or having a broken gutter that creates an "artificial" ice patch.

⏱️ How much time do you have?
Most CT municipalities require sidewalks to be cleared within 12 to 24 hours after the snow stops. Check your local town hall website to be sure!

Stay Safe (and Legal) this Winter:
✅ Shovel early and often.
✅ Use salt or sand to treat stubborn ice patches.
✅ Check your gutters to ensure they aren't draining onto the walkway.
✅ PRO TIP: Always snap a picture of the sidewalk or driveway after you clean up and keep it for two years so you can defend yourself from a claim!

05/22/2023

Thank you, Art Secondo, for the great piece!

Southington Magazine, Spring 2023 Issue 54

12/29/2022

https://patch.com/connecticut/southington/southington-council-finalizes-towns-legal-team

The new corporation counsel position is a full-time employee serving the entire town.

12/17/2022

Meriden Record-Journal: Southington hires familiar face for new corporation counsel position.

Southington hires familiar face for new corporation counsel position- SOUTHINGTON — Alex Ricciardone has been named as Southington’s Corporation Counsel at the last town council meeting, a new position that makes him the legal advisor over all of town’s boards, committees and staff.Ricciardone...

12/15/2022

Free COVID test kits are back!

The programme allows households to order four rapid tests with deliveries starting next week.

06/13/2022

Looking forward to see how my client re-positions this highly unique property! Precision Realty LLC Pompei Carpentry Services LLC

Buy with certainty. Sell with Efficiency. Trust Precision.

06/09/2022

Connecticut is providing up to $250 per child for a one time tax credit. Details below:

The Child Tax Rebate, which was recently authorized by the Connecticut General Assembly and signed into law by Governor Ned Lamont, is intended to help Connecticut families with children. You may be eligible for a child tax rebate of up to a maximum of $750 ($250 per child up to three children).

To be eligible for this rebate you must meet all of the following requirements:

· You must apply for the rebate online between 6/1/22 and 7/31/22 (see link below);

· You must be a resident of Connecticut;

· You must have claimed at least one child as a dependent on your 2021 federal income tax return who was 18 years of age or younger; and

· You must meet certain income thresholds.
A few other points worth mentioning:

· This is a one-time event;

· You are REQUIRED to file on-line;

· Must have a filed 2021 federal tax return;

· Income Limits:

· Single/MFS - $100k

· HOH - $160k

· MFJ - $200k

All statuses have a phase-out of 10% for each $1,000
over income limit. Therefore, income $10k over income
limit you get $0

· CT will mail checks starting in late August.

To assist you in determining if you qualify for a child tax rebate, the Department of Revenue Services (“Department”) has developed the below application. Don’t miss out on this opportunity for you and your family to benefit from the child tax rebate!

Credit to: SRC, Certified Public Accountants, P.C.

05/21/2022

Dream Home 🏠
Dream Clients ⭐️
Dream Team 💼

Thank you Ryan Seeger at Total Mortgage
Thank you Attorney Alex Riccardone and a great co-broke with Linda Fercodini.

04/18/2022

Happy to be a part of this fight!

ATTEMPTED DOG KILLER DENIED SPECIAL DIVERSIONARY PROGRAM. Martocchio & Oliveira has always strived to give back to our community. Whether it’s volunteering at a local food shelter or getting involved with pro bono matters that reflect upon our Town. One such cause involves the attempt by a women to poison her neighbor’s puppy! We first became aware of this horrific case by watching the local news. The case received national news coverage from as far away as Florida and Texas. When the dog owner’s family reached out to us for assistance there was no hesitation in becoming involved in the case. The defendant pleaded with the court to allow her admission into a diversionary program that likely would have resulted in her criminal charges being dismissed. Attorney Martocchio was able to coordinate a team of talented individuals, including an animal activist attorney, the victims and two animal rights organizations to oppose the motion. Together they successfully convinced the court that the defendant must be held accountable for her wrongful acts. Accordingly the defendant’s motion was denied! Her next court date is scheduled for May 18, 2022. We at M&O remain committed to this cause and we will be present at future court dates to ensure justice is served. You can read more about this story online or by tuning into WFSB and/or Fox news this evening. If you, or someone you know, is a victim of animal abuse, feel free to reach out to us.

04/15/2022

Happy to help out this amazing team!