Renee C Bauer

Attorney Renée Bauer is a trailblazing family law attorney, award-winning author, motivational speaker, and legal thought leader. As the Founder and Managing Attorney of Happy Even After Family Law, Renée has dedicated her career to reshaping the conversation around divorce, proving that reconfigured families can thrive, and empowering her clients with the tools they need to move forward with confidence.

She takes on high-asset and complex litigation cases, limiting her caseload to ensure that each client receives the individualized, high-level advocacy they deserve.

Her expertise in family law has made her a go-to voice in the media, frequently called upon by newspapers, radio, and television to provide legal commentary on current family law topics. She is also an in-demand legal educator, presenting at top legal seminars and writing extensively on family law matters.

Renée is not only a powerhouse in the courtroom but also a recognized authority in the literary world. She has authored several books, including:

• Divorce in Connecticut – A comprehensive resource available in every library across the state.
• Percy’s Imperfectly Perfect Family – A children’s book co-authored with her son to help kids understand divorce.
• The Ultimate Guide to Solo and Small Firm Success – A strategic roadmap for legal professionals.
• She Who Wins – Winner of the 2023 American Book Fest Award in Women’s Issues and the 2024 Reader Views Literary Award, inspiring women to step into their power and create lives they love after divorce.

As the host of a top 2% ranked podcast, Renée leads unfiltered discussions about divorce, relationships, reinvention, and personal growth. Her impact extends far beyond the courtroom, reaching listeners worldwide who seek guidance, empowerment, and inspiration.

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• Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
  Retainer fees are quoted based on the complexity of your unique case.

Connecticut

State of Connecticut Judicial Branch

ID Number: 421845

Since 2003

Motivational Speaker

She Who Wins

2022 - Current

Principal Attorney

Happy Even After Family Law

2007 - Current

Attorney

Law Office of Frank J. Riccio

2003 - 2007

Suffolk University Law School

J.D. (2003)

2000 - 2003

University of Connecticut

B.A. (1999)

1996 - 1999

Reader's Choice Winner in Self-Help

Reader's Choice Award

2023

Best Book Award

American Book Fest

2023

Litigator of the Year

CT Bar Association

2021

Women-Owned Business of the Year

Hamden Chamber of Commerce

2019

State of Connecticut Judicial Branch  # 421845

Member

2003 - Current

In the Media

Who Gets the Friends in Divorce?

Yahoo

July 18, 2025

How Being a Stay-At-Home Girlfriend will Ruin Your Life

Daily Mail

June 17, 2025

Woman Dumps Fiance After He learns of Her Lottery Winnings

Newsweek

May 29, 2025

She Who Wins

Urano Publishing

September, 2023

Motivational Speaker, The TrailblazHER Summit, Madison, CT

March 2024

Madison Chamber of Commerce

What you need to know about divorce in your estate planning practice, Webinar, Connecticut

June 2024

CT Forum Meeting for WealthCounsel Attorneys

The Impact of Mental Health on Custody Cases to therapists, Webinar, Connecticut

May 2024

CT Counseling Association, American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy

Motivational Speaker, She Who Wins Summit, Mohegan Sun

April 2024

She Who Wins

Women's empowerment event for leaders in business

Panel Speaker, Self-Made Summit, Scottsdale, AZ

November 2023

Founders

Panel about being a successful entrepreneur.

Guardian Ad Litem

State of Connecticut

Certified Mediator and Collaborative Attorney

Connecticut

Q. Am I entitled to half of a child’s personal injury settlement if I'm not on the birth certificate?

July 24, 2025

A: Generally, a child’s personal injury settlement is considered the legal property of the child, not either parent. The money is typically held in a restricted account, trust, or structured settlement until the child reaches the age of majority. As a parent, you are not automatically entitled to receive any portion of that settlement, regardless of whether you're on the birth certificate, unless a court specifically authorizes reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses or past/future care related to the injury.

If you're not on the birth certificate and there’s no custody order in place, you would likely need to establish legal paternity before asserting any rights related to your child, including any role in decisions involving the settlement. ... Read More

Q. Can I file contempt for missed child support despite my child turning 18?

July 21, 2025

A: Yes, you can still pursue enforcement for missed child support even if your child has turned 18 because the obligation to pay support doesn’t simply disappear when the child reaches the age of majority, especially if there’s a court order in place and arrears are owed.

Here’s how this works:

1. Past Due Support Is Still Enforceable

Child support that was court-ordered and not paid becomes a debt known as arrears. These arrears don’t expire when your child turns 18, and courts retain the authority to enforce those payments.

In your case, even though the father was in rehabilitation and not working, that does not automatically relieve him of his obligation. If he wanted relief, he would have needed to petition the court to modify the order at the time. Since the modification was ultimately dismissed, the original order remained in effect, and he was still legally responsible for making payments.

2. Contempt May Be an Option

You can consider filing a motion for contempt. This lets the court know that the other party violated a court order. The court can then determine whether the non-payment was willful, which is key to finding someone in contempt.

Even if the father claims his attorney told him he didn’t need to pay, that isn’t a valid legal defense if there was an active order requiring payment.

You may want to consult a family law attorney or your local child support enforcement agency. Some agencies will even assist with enforcement actions, including contempt filings, at no cost to you.

You’ve been more than patient, and it’s understandable to want clarity and accountability now that your child is 18. Unpaid support is still owed, and you deserve to have the court enforce that obligation especially when you’ve upheld your end of the parenting responsibilities.

Wishing you resolution and peace of mind as you take the next steps. ... Read More

Q. Seeking legal help for modifying custody and relocation due to father's conviction and visit violations.

July 21, 2025

A: First, I want to say that you're not alone in this, and it’s clear that you're trying to make the best possible decisions for your daughter’s safety and future. When custody issues involve serious concerns like a criminal conviction for sexual assault and repeated violations of court orders, the court will take those issues very seriously, especially when a child’s well-being may be at risk.

Here's how you can begin to take legal steps forward:

1. File a Motion to Modify Custody

You can petition the court to modify the current custody and visitation order. In your motion, you’ll need to show that there has been a substantial change in circumstances since the original order was issued. In your case, these changes may include: The father's conviction for sexual assault of a minor (if this occurred after the original order or wasn’t previously disclosed); His failure to consistently exercise visitation; His violation of supervised visit terms by bringing unauthorized individuals.

Courts prioritize the best interests of the child, and safety is a critical factor in that evaluation.

2. Request a Relocation Order

If you’re planning to move out of state, you’ll likely need court permission. You will need to show that relocation is in the child’s best interest and not intended to interfere with the other parent’s relationship with the child.

Reasons for relocation such as family support, better job prospects, and improved educational opportunities are all valid especially if the current co-parenting arrangement is unstable or unsafe.

3. Document Everything

Start gathering evidence: Missed visits (texts, calendars, screenshots, or logs), violations of the visitation terms, any communication regarding the conviction (court records, news articles, etc.), and evidence supporting your proposed relocation (school rankings, job offers, letters from family, etc.).

If you believe your child is in immediate danger, you may also be able to request emergency orders for custody modification or supervised visitation restrictions. Speak to an attorney or legal aid to assess whether that is appropriate based on the facts of your case.

You’re clearly prioritizing your daughter’s safety, education, and emotional well-being. Don’t hesitate to advocate for her, and know that the legal system can work to protect children, especially in cases like this.

Wishing you strength and support as you take the next steps. ... Read More