James M. Ruel

James M. Ruel is a seasoned divorce lawyer who represents clients across Connecticut in complex family law matters. He focuses on dissolution of marriage, child custody, and related financial disputes. James M. Ruel guides individuals through difficult decisions involving parenting plans, child support, alimony, and property division.

James earned his B.S. in 1996 from Boston College, Carroll School of Management, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, where he majored in Finance. He later obtained his J.D. in 1999 from the University of Connecticut School of Law in Hartford, CT. His education in finance and law supports his careful approach to complex financial issues.

James handles matters involving parental decision-making about healthcare, religion, and education. He assists clients with parenting schedules, paternity matters, and post-divorce modifications of custody, alimony, or child support orders. He also represents individuals in litigation to open divorce judgments obtained by fraud by a former spouse.

James has extensive experience resolving disputes that involve closely-held businesses owned by one spouse. He works with business valuation experts to determine accurate valuation methods and present clear financial analysis in court. His practice also includes cases involving executives with stock options, restricted stock units, and substantial compensation packages.

James frequently manages high-asset divorce cases, including matters with significant trust interests. He litigates disputes involving a spouse’s interest in trust income or principal and advises trustees when a beneficiary is involved in divorce proceedings. His work often addresses estates valued in the hundreds of millions of dollars.

James M. Ruel brings more than 25 years of experience to high-conflict custody disputes and sensitive family situations. He prioritizes the safety and well-being of clients and their children, especially in cases involving abuse or dangerous circumstances. James was admitted to practice in Connecticut in 1999, the U.S. District Court District of Connecticut in 1999, the  U.S. District Court Eastern District of New York in 2000, and the U.S. District Court Southern District of New York in 2000.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Ruel Burns Feldman Kukucka & Britt, LLC
• Fellow, The Connecticut Bar Foundation
• Member, Connecticut Bar Association
• Member, Hartford County Bar Association

Licensed State

• Connecticut
• New York

Education

• University of Connecticut School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Boston College, Carroll School of Management
  BS in Major: Finance

Awards & Badges