Donna L. Buttler
Practice Focus and Philosophy
I focus my practice on Family Law, including divorce, custody, parenting plans, support, alimony, restraining orders, and premarital agreements. My goal is to advocate for clients in ways that restore stability and financial security after separation.
With over twenty years of litigation experience and advanced training in collaborative divorce and mediation, I offer multiple options to resolve conflict—inside or outside the courtroom—giving clients greater control over outcomes.
Divorce often requires careful financial planning. I have extensive experience with retirement accounts, pensions, military benefits, real estate, bankruptcy, and estate planning. My network of attorneys, financial advisors, and accountants helps create comprehensive plans tailored to each client’s future goals.
When children are involved, I take a team approach with child experts, psychologists, and guardians ad litem to prioritize their best interests. Early creation of parenting plans often reduces the need for trial and keeps decisions with parents.
I welcome you to schedule a consultation. New clients receive a reduced rate, with thorough sessions typically lasting 2–3 hours.
Bar Admissions
Admitted to bar 1994, Connecticut, Superior Court, Appellate Court, Supreme Court
U.S. District Court, District of Connecticut.
Professional Memberships
Connecticut Bar Association, Connecticut Bar Association Family Bar Section, Hartford County Bar Association, Family Law Section, co-chair Hartford County Family Law Committee (2010-); American Inns of Court/ Oliver Ellsworth Inn of Court; Connecticut Council for Divorce Mediation, Connecticut Collaborative Divorce Lawyers, International Academy of Collaborative Professionals.
Judicial Appointments
Clerk, the Honorable Michael R. Sheldon
Special Master, Superior Court Family Docket Hartford, New Britain (2000-)
Areas Of Practice
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Family Law
Career and Education
I have lived almost continuously in the Farmington Valley since I graduated from high school in Simsbury. I attended the University of Rochester and graduated with honors with a dual degree in Biology and Chemistry. I began my career working for the Aetna Life and Casualty in New Jersey and Connecticut and then attended the University of Connecticut Law School; graduating with honors, third in my class. After working for a large Hartford firm and clerking in the Connecticut court for the Honorable Michael R. Sheldon, I entered solo practice in the Farmington Valley in 1997. In 2010 I became a founding partner in a multidisciplinary firm located in Farmington, Bloomfield, and Granby named MLKB&R, LLC continuing my practice in family law. In November 2017, I left the larger practice to return to Avon to establish The Law Offices of Donna L. Buttler, LLC offering my clients a multitude of options to specifically address their family law needs.