English
Español§ 46b-15c. Powers of court in family relations matter re taking out-of-court testimony when one party is subject to a protective order, restraining order or standing criminal protective order. Videoconference hearings permitted. Oaths. Cross-examination
(a) In any court proceeding in a family relations matter, as defined in section 46b-1, the court shall, upon the written request of a party or the attorney for any party made not less than two days prior to such proceeding, order that the testimony of a party or a child who is a subject of the proceeding be taken outside the physical presence of any other party if a protective order, restraining order or standing criminal protective order has been issued on behalf of the party or child, and the other party is subject to the protective order, restraining order or standing criminal protective order. Such order may provide for the use of alternative means to obtain the testimony of any party or child, including, but not limited to, the use of a secure video connection for the purpose of conducting hearings by videoconference. Such testimony may be taken in a room other than the courtroom or at another location outside the courthouse or outside the state. The court shall provide for the administration of an oath to such party or child prior to the taking of such testimony in accordance with the rules of the Superior Court.
(b) Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit any party’s right to cross-examine a witness whose testimony is taken in a room other than the courtroom pursuant to an order under this section.
(c) An order under this section may remain in effect during the pendency of the proceedings in the family relations matter.(d) A notice describing the provisions of subsection (a) of this section shall be (1) posted on the Internet web site of the Judicial Branch, (2) included in any written or electronic form that describes the automatic orders in cases involving a dissolution of marriage or legal separation under section 46b-40, and (3) included in any written or electronic form provided to a person who receives a protective order under section 46b-38c, as amended by this act, a standing criminal protective order under section 54a-40e, as amended by this act, or a restraining order, under section 46b-15.
