diff --git a/aries_cloudagent/protocols/actionmenu/v1_0/handlers/menu_handler.py b/aries_cloudagent/protocols/actionmenu/v1_0/handlers/menu_handler.py
index 30ddd66fa3..b7cb04e35d 100644
--- a/aries_cloudagent/protocols/actionmenu/v1_0/handlers/menu_handler.py
+++ b/aries_cloudagent/protocols/actionmenu/v1_0/handlers/menu_handler.py
@@ -3,9 +3,9 @@
 from .....messaging.base_handler import (
     BaseHandler,
     BaseResponder,
+    HandlerException,
     RequestContext,
 )
-
 from ..messages.menu import Menu
 from ..util import save_connection_menu
 
@@ -23,6 +23,9 @@ async def handle(self, context: RequestContext, responder: BaseResponder):
         self._logger.debug("MenuHandler called with context %s", context)
         assert isinstance(context.message, Menu)
 
+        if not context.connection_ready:
+            raise HandlerException("No connection established")
+
         self._logger.info("Received action menu: %s", context.message)
 
         await save_connection_menu(
diff --git a/aries_cloudagent/protocols/actionmenu/v1_0/handlers/menu_request_handler.py b/aries_cloudagent/protocols/actionmenu/v1_0/handlers/menu_request_handler.py
index 905e039ce8..4aef949495 100644
--- a/aries_cloudagent/protocols/actionmenu/v1_0/handlers/menu_request_handler.py
+++ b/aries_cloudagent/protocols/actionmenu/v1_0/handlers/menu_request_handler.py
@@ -3,9 +3,9 @@
 from .....messaging.base_handler import (
     BaseHandler,
     BaseResponder,
+    HandlerException,
     RequestContext,
 )
-
 from ..base_service import BaseMenuService
 from ..messages.menu_request import MenuRequest
 
@@ -23,6 +23,9 @@ async def handle(self, context: RequestContext, responder: BaseResponder):
         self._logger.debug("MenuRequestHandler called with context %s", context)
         assert isinstance(context.message, MenuRequest)
 
+        if not context.connection_ready:
+            raise HandlerException("No connection established")
+
         self._logger.info("Received action menu request")
 
         service: BaseMenuService = context.inject_or(BaseMenuService)
diff --git a/aries_cloudagent/protocols/actionmenu/v1_0/handlers/perform_handler.py b/aries_cloudagent/protocols/actionmenu/v1_0/handlers/perform_handler.py
index 5e38bc90f3..4f6a5b1387 100644
--- a/aries_cloudagent/protocols/actionmenu/v1_0/handlers/perform_handler.py
+++ b/aries_cloudagent/protocols/actionmenu/v1_0/handlers/perform_handler.py
@@ -3,9 +3,9 @@
 from .....messaging.base_handler import (
     BaseHandler,
     BaseResponder,
+    HandlerException,
     RequestContext,
 )
-
 from ..base_service import BaseMenuService
 from ..messages.perform import Perform
 
@@ -23,6 +23,9 @@ async def handle(self, context: RequestContext, responder: BaseResponder):
         self._logger.debug("PerformHandler called with context %s", context)
         assert isinstance(context.message, Perform)
 
+        if not context.connection_ready:
+            raise HandlerException("No connection established")
+
         self._logger.info("Received action menu perform request")
 
         service: BaseMenuService = context.inject_or(BaseMenuService)
diff --git a/aries_cloudagent/protocols/actionmenu/v1_0/handlers/tests/test_menu_handler.py b/aries_cloudagent/protocols/actionmenu/v1_0/handlers/tests/test_menu_handler.py
index 4034bf5ea0..392bc3f8cd 100644
--- a/aries_cloudagent/protocols/actionmenu/v1_0/handlers/tests/test_menu_handler.py
+++ b/aries_cloudagent/protocols/actionmenu/v1_0/handlers/tests/test_menu_handler.py
@@ -1,9 +1,9 @@
 from unittest import IsolatedAsyncioTestCase
+
 from aries_cloudagent.tests import mock
 
 from ......messaging.request_context import RequestContext
 from ......messaging.responder import MockResponder
-
 from .. import menu_handler as handler
 
 
@@ -12,6 +12,7 @@ async def test_called(self):
         request_context = RequestContext.test_context()
         request_context.connection_record = mock.MagicMock()
         request_context.connection_record.connection_id = "dummy"
+        request_context.connection_ready = True
 
         handler.save_connection_menu = mock.CoroutineMock()
         responder = MockResponder()
diff --git a/aries_cloudagent/protocols/actionmenu/v1_0/handlers/tests/test_menu_request_handler.py b/aries_cloudagent/protocols/actionmenu/v1_0/handlers/tests/test_menu_request_handler.py
index 30d97e65f4..63214fe409 100644
--- a/aries_cloudagent/protocols/actionmenu/v1_0/handlers/tests/test_menu_request_handler.py
+++ b/aries_cloudagent/protocols/actionmenu/v1_0/handlers/tests/test_menu_request_handler.py
@@ -1,9 +1,9 @@
 from unittest import IsolatedAsyncioTestCase
+
 from aries_cloudagent.tests import mock
 
 from ......messaging.request_context import RequestContext
 from ......messaging.responder import MockResponder
-
 from .. import menu_request_handler as handler
 
 
@@ -18,6 +18,7 @@ async def test_called(self):
 
         self.context.connection_record = mock.MagicMock()
         self.context.connection_record.connection_id = "dummy"
+        self.context.connection_ready = True
 
         responder = MockResponder()
         self.context.message = handler.MenuRequest()
@@ -39,6 +40,7 @@ async def test_called_no_active_menu(self):
 
         self.context.connection_record = mock.MagicMock()
         self.context.connection_record.connection_id = "dummy"
+        self.context.connection_ready = True
 
         responder = MockResponder()
         self.context.message = handler.MenuRequest()
diff --git a/aries_cloudagent/protocols/actionmenu/v1_0/handlers/tests/test_perform_handler.py b/aries_cloudagent/protocols/actionmenu/v1_0/handlers/tests/test_perform_handler.py
index a8decf96ab..7af6672ee8 100644
--- a/aries_cloudagent/protocols/actionmenu/v1_0/handlers/tests/test_perform_handler.py
+++ b/aries_cloudagent/protocols/actionmenu/v1_0/handlers/tests/test_perform_handler.py
@@ -1,9 +1,9 @@
 from unittest import IsolatedAsyncioTestCase
+
 from aries_cloudagent.tests import mock
 
 from ......messaging.request_context import RequestContext
 from ......messaging.responder import MockResponder
-
 from .. import perform_handler as handler
 
 
@@ -18,12 +18,11 @@ async def test_called(self):
 
         self.context.connection_record = mock.MagicMock()
         self.context.connection_record.connection_id = "dummy"
+        self.context.connection_ready = True
 
         responder = MockResponder()
         self.context.message = handler.Perform()
-        self.menu_service.perform_menu_action = mock.CoroutineMock(
-            return_value="perform"
-        )
+        self.menu_service.perform_menu_action = mock.CoroutineMock(return_value="perform")
 
         handler_inst = handler.PerformHandler()
         await handler_inst.handle(self.context, responder)
@@ -41,6 +40,7 @@ async def test_called_no_active_menu(self):
 
         self.context.connection_record = mock.MagicMock()
         self.context.connection_record.connection_id = "dummy"
+        self.context.connection_ready = True
 
         responder = MockResponder()
         self.context.message = handler.Perform()
diff --git a/aries_cloudagent/protocols/basicmessage/v1_0/handlers/basicmessage_handler.py b/aries_cloudagent/protocols/basicmessage/v1_0/handlers/basicmessage_handler.py
index 93bd91760f..286e62a63e 100644
--- a/aries_cloudagent/protocols/basicmessage/v1_0/handlers/basicmessage_handler.py
+++ b/aries_cloudagent/protocols/basicmessage/v1_0/handlers/basicmessage_handler.py
@@ -3,9 +3,9 @@
 from .....messaging.base_handler import (
     BaseHandler,
     BaseResponder,
+    HandlerException,
     RequestContext,
 )
-
 from ..messages.basicmessage import BasicMessage
 
 
@@ -22,6 +22,9 @@ async def handle(self, context: RequestContext, responder: BaseResponder):
         self._logger.debug("BasicMessageHandler called with context %s", context)
         assert isinstance(context.message, BasicMessage)
 
+        if not context.connection_ready:
+            raise HandlerException("No connection established")
+
         self._logger.info("Received basic message: %s", context.message.content)
 
         body = context.message.content
diff --git a/aries_cloudagent/protocols/did_rotate/v1_0/handlers/ack_handler.py b/aries_cloudagent/protocols/did_rotate/v1_0/handlers/ack_handler.py
index 5d0942a5e9..4b8746e2bb 100644
--- a/aries_cloudagent/protocols/did_rotate/v1_0/handlers/ack_handler.py
+++ b/aries_cloudagent/protocols/did_rotate/v1_0/handlers/ack_handler.py
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 """Rotate ack handler."""
 
-from .....messaging.base_handler import BaseHandler
+from .....messaging.base_handler import BaseHandler, HandlerException
 from .....messaging.request_context import RequestContext
 from .....messaging.responder import BaseResponder
 from ..manager import DIDRotateManager
@@ -20,6 +20,9 @@ async def handle(self, context: RequestContext, responder: BaseResponder):
         self._logger.debug("RotateAckHandler called with context %s", context)
         assert isinstance(context.message, RotateAck)
 
+        if not context.connection_ready:
+            raise HandlerException("No connection established")
+
         connection_record = context.connection_record
         ack = context.message
 
diff --git a/aries_cloudagent/protocols/did_rotate/v1_0/handlers/hangup_handler.py b/aries_cloudagent/protocols/did_rotate/v1_0/handlers/hangup_handler.py
index 1fc7dff655..8e1cb7b102 100644
--- a/aries_cloudagent/protocols/did_rotate/v1_0/handlers/hangup_handler.py
+++ b/aries_cloudagent/protocols/did_rotate/v1_0/handlers/hangup_handler.py
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 """Rotate hangup handler."""
 
-from .....messaging.base_handler import BaseHandler
+from .....messaging.base_handler import BaseHandler, HandlerException
 from .....messaging.request_context import RequestContext
 from .....messaging.responder import BaseResponder
 from ..manager import DIDRotateManager
@@ -20,6 +20,9 @@ async def handle(self, context: RequestContext, responder: BaseResponder):
         self._logger.debug("HangupHandler called with context %s", context)
         assert isinstance(context.message, Hangup)
 
+        if not context.connection_ready:
+            raise HandlerException("No connection established")
+
         connection_record = context.connection_record
 
         profile = context.profile
diff --git a/aries_cloudagent/protocols/did_rotate/v1_0/handlers/problem_report_handler.py b/aries_cloudagent/protocols/did_rotate/v1_0/handlers/problem_report_handler.py
index 4d0bbc8a75..199952526d 100644
--- a/aries_cloudagent/protocols/did_rotate/v1_0/handlers/problem_report_handler.py
+++ b/aries_cloudagent/protocols/did_rotate/v1_0/handlers/problem_report_handler.py
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 """Rotate problem report handler."""
 
-from .....messaging.base_handler import BaseHandler
+from .....messaging.base_handler import BaseHandler, HandlerException
 from .....messaging.request_context import RequestContext
 from .....messaging.responder import BaseResponder
 from ..manager import DIDRotateManager
@@ -20,6 +20,9 @@ async def handle(self, context: RequestContext, responder: BaseResponder):
         self._logger.debug("ProblemReportHandler called with context %s", context)
         assert isinstance(context.message, RotateProblemReport)
 
+        if not context.connection_ready:
+            raise HandlerException("No connection established")
+
         problem_report = context.message
 
         profile = context.profile
diff --git a/aries_cloudagent/protocols/did_rotate/v1_0/handlers/rotate_handler.py b/aries_cloudagent/protocols/did_rotate/v1_0/handlers/rotate_handler.py
index a63b848fd2..e5fd8f0f83 100644
--- a/aries_cloudagent/protocols/did_rotate/v1_0/handlers/rotate_handler.py
+++ b/aries_cloudagent/protocols/did_rotate/v1_0/handlers/rotate_handler.py
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 """Rotate handler."""
 
-from .....messaging.base_handler import BaseHandler
+from .....messaging.base_handler import BaseHandler, HandlerException
 from .....messaging.request_context import RequestContext
 from .....messaging.responder import BaseResponder
 from ..manager import DIDRotateManager
@@ -20,6 +20,9 @@ async def handle(self, context: RequestContext, responder: BaseResponder):
         self._logger.debug("RotateHandler called with context %s", context)
         assert isinstance(context.message, Rotate)
 
+        if not context.connection_ready:
+            raise HandlerException("No connection established")
+
         connection_record = context.connection_record
         rotate = context.message
 
diff --git a/aries_cloudagent/protocols/did_rotate/v1_0/handlers/tests/test_ack_handler.py b/aries_cloudagent/protocols/did_rotate/v1_0/handlers/tests/test_ack_handler.py
index 4fc5806a35..2daf059db8 100644
--- a/aries_cloudagent/protocols/did_rotate/v1_0/handlers/tests/test_ack_handler.py
+++ b/aries_cloudagent/protocols/did_rotate/v1_0/handlers/tests/test_ack_handler.py
@@ -23,6 +23,7 @@ async def test_handle(self, MockDIDRotateManager, request_context):
 
         request_context.message = RotateAck()
         request_context.connection_record = mock.MagicMock()
+        request_context.connection_ready = True
 
         handler = test_module.RotateAckHandler()
         responder = MockResponder()
diff --git a/aries_cloudagent/protocols/did_rotate/v1_0/handlers/tests/test_hangup_handler.py b/aries_cloudagent/protocols/did_rotate/v1_0/handlers/tests/test_hangup_handler.py
index 764a5ee5b8..c945f5a427 100644
--- a/aries_cloudagent/protocols/did_rotate/v1_0/handlers/tests/test_hangup_handler.py
+++ b/aries_cloudagent/protocols/did_rotate/v1_0/handlers/tests/test_hangup_handler.py
@@ -23,6 +23,7 @@ async def test_handle(self, MockDIDRotateManager, request_context):
 
         request_context.message = Hangup()
         request_context.connection_record = mock.MagicMock()
+        request_context.connection_ready = True
 
         handler = test_module.HangupHandler()
         responder = MockResponder()
diff --git a/aries_cloudagent/protocols/did_rotate/v1_0/handlers/tests/test_problem_report_handler.py b/aries_cloudagent/protocols/did_rotate/v1_0/handlers/tests/test_problem_report_handler.py
index e461d6c8dc..06ecfe5e3e 100644
--- a/aries_cloudagent/protocols/did_rotate/v1_0/handlers/tests/test_problem_report_handler.py
+++ b/aries_cloudagent/protocols/did_rotate/v1_0/handlers/tests/test_problem_report_handler.py
@@ -27,6 +27,7 @@ async def test_handle(self, MockDIDRotateManager, request_context):
 
         request_context.message = RotateProblemReport()
         request_context.connection_record = mock.MagicMock()
+        request_context.connection_ready = True
 
         handler = test_module.ProblemReportHandler()
         responder = MockResponder()
diff --git a/aries_cloudagent/protocols/did_rotate/v1_0/handlers/tests/test_rotate_handler.py b/aries_cloudagent/protocols/did_rotate/v1_0/handlers/tests/test_rotate_handler.py
index 7eb9b70fdc..1ef31a30b1 100644
--- a/aries_cloudagent/protocols/did_rotate/v1_0/handlers/tests/test_rotate_handler.py
+++ b/aries_cloudagent/protocols/did_rotate/v1_0/handlers/tests/test_rotate_handler.py
@@ -28,6 +28,7 @@ async def test_handle(self, MockDIDRotateManager, request_context):
 
         request_context.message = Rotate(**test_valid_rotate_request)
         request_context.connection_record = mock.MagicMock()
+        request_context.connection_ready = True
 
         handler = test_module.RotateHandler()
         responder = MockResponder()
diff --git a/aries_cloudagent/protocols/discovery/v1_0/handlers/disclose_handler.py b/aries_cloudagent/protocols/discovery/v1_0/handlers/disclose_handler.py
index 7c5a313fc4..9fe504873b 100644
--- a/aries_cloudagent/protocols/discovery/v1_0/handlers/disclose_handler.py
+++ b/aries_cloudagent/protocols/discovery/v1_0/handlers/disclose_handler.py
@@ -3,10 +3,9 @@
 from .....messaging.base_handler import (
     BaseHandler,
     BaseResponder,
-    RequestContext,
     HandlerException,
+    RequestContext,
 )
-
 from ..manager import V10DiscoveryMgr
 from ..messages.disclose import Disclose
 
@@ -18,10 +17,12 @@ async def handle(self, context: RequestContext, responder: BaseResponder):
         """Message handler implementation."""
         self._logger.debug("DiscloseHandler called with context %s", context)
         assert isinstance(context.message, Disclose)
+
         if not context.connection_ready:
             raise HandlerException(
                 "Received disclosures message from inactive connection"
             )
+
         profile = context.profile
         mgr = V10DiscoveryMgr(profile)
         await mgr.receive_disclose(
diff --git a/aries_cloudagent/protocols/discovery/v1_0/handlers/query_handler.py b/aries_cloudagent/protocols/discovery/v1_0/handlers/query_handler.py
index 0336b01351..c0276d5272 100644
--- a/aries_cloudagent/protocols/discovery/v1_0/handlers/query_handler.py
+++ b/aries_cloudagent/protocols/discovery/v1_0/handlers/query_handler.py
@@ -3,9 +3,9 @@
 from .....messaging.base_handler import (
     BaseHandler,
     BaseResponder,
+    HandlerException,
     RequestContext,
 )
-
 from ..manager import V10DiscoveryMgr
 from ..messages.query import Query
 
@@ -17,6 +17,10 @@ async def handle(self, context: RequestContext, responder: BaseResponder):
         """Message handler implementation."""
         self._logger.debug("QueryHandler called with context %s", context)
         assert isinstance(context.message, Query)
+
+        if not context.connection_ready:
+            raise HandlerException("No connection established")
+
         profile = context.profile
         mgr = V10DiscoveryMgr(profile)
         reply = await mgr.receive_query(context.message)
diff --git a/aries_cloudagent/protocols/discovery/v1_0/handlers/tests/test_query_handler.py b/aries_cloudagent/protocols/discovery/v1_0/handlers/tests/test_query_handler.py
index 16d5b7345a..14854eb0b7 100644
--- a/aries_cloudagent/protocols/discovery/v1_0/handlers/tests/test_query_handler.py
+++ b/aries_cloudagent/protocols/discovery/v1_0/handlers/tests/test_query_handler.py
@@ -5,7 +5,6 @@
 from ......core.protocol_registry import ProtocolRegistry
 from ......messaging.request_context import RequestContext
 from ......messaging.responder import MockResponder
-
 from ...handlers.query_handler import QueryHandler
 from ...messages.disclose import Disclose
 from ...messages.query import Query
@@ -30,6 +29,7 @@ async def test_query_all(self, request_context):
         query_msg = Query(query="*")
         query_msg.assign_thread_id("test123")
         request_context.message = query_msg
+        request_context.connection_ready = True
         handler = QueryHandler()
         responder = MockResponder()
         await handler.handle(request_context, responder)
@@ -50,6 +50,7 @@ async def test_query_all_disclose_list_settings(self, request_context):
         query_msg = Query(query="*")
         query_msg.assign_thread_id("test123")
         request_context.message = query_msg
+        request_context.connection_ready = True
         handler = QueryHandler()
         responder = MockResponder()
         await handler.handle(request_context, responder)
@@ -65,6 +66,7 @@ async def test_receive_query_process_disclosed(self, request_context):
         query_msg = Query(query="*")
         query_msg.assign_thread_id("test123")
         request_context.message = query_msg
+        request_context.connection_ready = True
         handler = QueryHandler()
         responder = MockResponder()
         with mock.patch.object(
diff --git a/aries_cloudagent/protocols/discovery/v2_0/handlers/disclosures_handler.py b/aries_cloudagent/protocols/discovery/v2_0/handlers/disclosures_handler.py
index adab14bf3e..6b9f4047ba 100644
--- a/aries_cloudagent/protocols/discovery/v2_0/handlers/disclosures_handler.py
+++ b/aries_cloudagent/protocols/discovery/v2_0/handlers/disclosures_handler.py
@@ -3,10 +3,9 @@
 from .....messaging.base_handler import (
     BaseHandler,
     BaseResponder,
-    RequestContext,
     HandlerException,
+    RequestContext,
 )
-
 from ..manager import V20DiscoveryMgr
 from ..messages.disclosures import Disclosures
 
@@ -18,10 +17,12 @@ async def handle(self, context: RequestContext, responder: BaseResponder):
         """Message handler implementation."""
         self._logger.debug("DiscloseHandler called with context %s", context)
         assert isinstance(context.message, Disclosures)
+
         if not context.connection_ready:
             raise HandlerException(
                 "Received disclosures message from inactive connection"
             )
+
         profile = context.profile
         mgr = V20DiscoveryMgr(profile)
         await mgr.receive_disclose(
diff --git a/aries_cloudagent/protocols/discovery/v2_0/handlers/queries_handler.py b/aries_cloudagent/protocols/discovery/v2_0/handlers/queries_handler.py
index e970ad0c6f..95c26d8866 100644
--- a/aries_cloudagent/protocols/discovery/v2_0/handlers/queries_handler.py
+++ b/aries_cloudagent/protocols/discovery/v2_0/handlers/queries_handler.py
@@ -3,9 +3,9 @@
 from .....messaging.base_handler import (
     BaseHandler,
     BaseResponder,
+    HandlerException,
     RequestContext,
 )
-
 from ..manager import V20DiscoveryMgr
 from ..messages.queries import Queries
 
@@ -17,6 +17,10 @@ async def handle(self, context: RequestContext, responder: BaseResponder):
         """Message handler implementation."""
         self._logger.debug("QueryHandler called with context %s", context)
         assert isinstance(context.message, Queries)
+
+        if not context.connection_ready:
+            raise HandlerException("No connection established")
+
         profile = context.profile
         mgr = V20DiscoveryMgr(profile)
         reply = await mgr.receive_query(context.message)
diff --git a/aries_cloudagent/protocols/discovery/v2_0/handlers/tests/test_queries_handler.py b/aries_cloudagent/protocols/discovery/v2_0/handlers/tests/test_queries_handler.py
index 9560fbd0d8..2ae1786d51 100644
--- a/aries_cloudagent/protocols/discovery/v2_0/handlers/tests/test_queries_handler.py
+++ b/aries_cloudagent/protocols/discovery/v2_0/handlers/tests/test_queries_handler.py
@@ -1,9 +1,11 @@
+from typing import Generator
+
 import pytest
 
 from aries_cloudagent.tests import mock
 
-from ......core.protocol_registry import ProtocolRegistry
 from ......core.goal_code_registry import GoalCodeRegistry
+from ......core.protocol_registry import ProtocolRegistry
 from ......messaging.request_context import RequestContext
 from ......messaging.responder import MockResponder
 from ......protocols.issue_credential.v1_0.controller import (
@@ -16,7 +18,6 @@
 from ......protocols.present_proof.v1_0.message_types import (
     CONTROLLERS as pres_proof_v1_controller,
 )
-
 from ...handlers.queries_handler import QueriesHandler
 from ...manager import V20DiscoveryMgr
 from ...messages.disclosures import Disclosures
@@ -27,7 +28,7 @@
 
 
 @pytest.fixture()
-def request_context() -> RequestContext:
+def request_context() -> Generator[RequestContext, None, None]:
     ctx = RequestContext.test_context()
     protocol_registry = ProtocolRegistry()
     goal_code_registry = GoalCodeRegistry()
@@ -48,6 +49,7 @@ async def test_queries_all(self, request_context):
         queries = Queries(queries=test_queries)
         queries.assign_thread_id("test123")
         request_context.message = queries
+        request_context.connection_ready = True
         handler = QueriesHandler()
         responder = MockResponder()
         await handler.handle(request_context, responder)
@@ -67,6 +69,7 @@ async def test_queries_protocol_goal_code_all(self, request_context):
         queries = Queries(queries=test_queries)
         queries.assign_thread_id("test123")
         request_context.message = queries
+        request_context.connection_ready = True
         handler = QueriesHandler()
         responder = MockResponder()
         await handler.handle(request_context, responder)
@@ -105,6 +108,7 @@ async def test_queries_protocol_goal_code_all_disclose_list_settings(
         queries = Queries(queries=test_queries)
         queries.assign_thread_id("test123")
         request_context.message = queries
+        request_context.connection_ready = True
         handler = QueriesHandler()
         responder = MockResponder()
         await handler.handle(request_context, responder)
@@ -129,6 +133,7 @@ async def test_receive_query_process_disclosed(self, request_context):
         queries_msg = Queries(queries=test_queries)
         queries_msg.assign_thread_id("test123")
         request_context.message = queries_msg
+        request_context.connection_ready = True
         handler = QueriesHandler()
         responder = MockResponder()
         with mock.patch.object(
diff --git a/aries_cloudagent/protocols/endorse_transaction/v1_0/handlers/transaction_job_to_send_handler.py b/aries_cloudagent/protocols/endorse_transaction/v1_0/handlers/transaction_job_to_send_handler.py
index 35e1d50bed..f43b1093cc 100644
--- a/aries_cloudagent/protocols/endorse_transaction/v1_0/handlers/transaction_job_to_send_handler.py
+++ b/aries_cloudagent/protocols/endorse_transaction/v1_0/handlers/transaction_job_to_send_handler.py
@@ -3,9 +3,9 @@
 from .....messaging.base_handler import (
     BaseHandler,
     BaseResponder,
+    HandlerException,
     RequestContext,
 )
-
 from ..manager import TransactionManager, TransactionManagerError
 from ..messages.transaction_job_to_send import TransactionJobToSend
 
@@ -24,10 +24,11 @@ async def handle(self, context: RequestContext, responder: BaseResponder):
         self._logger.debug(f"TransactionJobToSendHandler called with context {context}")
         assert isinstance(context.message, TransactionJobToSend)
 
+        if not context.connection_ready:
+            raise HandlerException("No connection established")
+
         mgr = TransactionManager(context.profile)
         try:
-            await mgr.set_transaction_their_job(
-                context.message, context.message_receipt
-            )
+            await mgr.set_transaction_their_job(context.message, context.message_receipt)
         except TransactionManagerError:
             self._logger.exception("Error receiving transaction jobs")
diff --git a/aries_cloudagent/protocols/notification/v1_0/handlers/ack_handler.py b/aries_cloudagent/protocols/notification/v1_0/handlers/ack_handler.py
index e5f1fedc77..71ba1b29a3 100644
--- a/aries_cloudagent/protocols/notification/v1_0/handlers/ack_handler.py
+++ b/aries_cloudagent/protocols/notification/v1_0/handlers/ack_handler.py
@@ -1,10 +1,9 @@
 """Generic ack message handler."""
 
-from .....messaging.base_handler import BaseHandler
+from .....messaging.base_handler import BaseHandler, HandlerException
 from .....messaging.request_context import RequestContext
 from .....messaging.responder import BaseResponder
-from .....utils.tracing import trace_event, get_timer
-
+from .....utils.tracing import get_timer, trace_event
 from ..messages.ack import V10Ack
 
 
@@ -22,6 +21,10 @@ async def handle(self, context: RequestContext, responder: BaseResponder):
 
         self._logger.debug("V20PresAckHandler called with context %s", context)
         assert isinstance(context.message, V10Ack)
+
+        if not context.connection_ready:
+            raise HandlerException("No connection established")
+
         self._logger.info(
             "Received v1.0 notification ack message: %s",
             context.message.serialize(as_string=True),
diff --git a/aries_cloudagent/protocols/notification/v1_0/handlers/tests/test_ack_handler.py b/aries_cloudagent/protocols/notification/v1_0/handlers/tests/test_ack_handler.py
index 2389b5aade..59b9effd43 100644
--- a/aries_cloudagent/protocols/notification/v1_0/handlers/tests/test_ack_handler.py
+++ b/aries_cloudagent/protocols/notification/v1_0/handlers/tests/test_ack_handler.py
@@ -1,12 +1,9 @@
-from unittest import mock
-from unittest import IsolatedAsyncioTestCase
+from unittest import IsolatedAsyncioTestCase, mock
 
 from ......messaging.request_context import RequestContext
 from ......messaging.responder import MockResponder
 from ......transport.inbound.receipt import MessageReceipt
-
 from ...messages.ack import V10Ack
-
 from .. import ack_handler as test_module
 
 
@@ -15,6 +12,7 @@ async def test_called(self):
         request_context = RequestContext.test_context()
         request_context.message_receipt = MessageReceipt()
         request_context.connection_record = mock.MagicMock()
+        request_context.connection_ready = True
 
         request_context.message = V10Ack(status="OK")
         handler = test_module.V10AckHandler()
diff --git a/aries_cloudagent/protocols/out_of_band/v1_0/handlers/reuse_handler.py b/aries_cloudagent/protocols/out_of_band/v1_0/handlers/reuse_handler.py
index a312a2af1f..d5851df485 100644
--- a/aries_cloudagent/protocols/out_of_band/v1_0/handlers/reuse_handler.py
+++ b/aries_cloudagent/protocols/out_of_band/v1_0/handlers/reuse_handler.py
@@ -1,9 +1,8 @@
 """Handshake Reuse Message Handler under RFC 0434."""
 
-from .....messaging.base_handler import BaseHandler
+from .....messaging.base_handler import BaseHandler, HandlerException
 from .....messaging.request_context import RequestContext
 from .....messaging.responder import BaseResponder
-
 from ..manager import OutOfBandManager, OutOfBandManagerError
 from ..messages.reuse import HandshakeReuse
 
@@ -18,11 +17,12 @@ async def handle(self, context: RequestContext, responder: BaseResponder):
             context: Request context
             responder: Responder callback
         """
-        self._logger.debug(
-            f"HandshakeReuseMessageHandler called with context {context}"
-        )
+        self._logger.debug(f"HandshakeReuseMessageHandler called with context {context}")
         assert isinstance(context.message, HandshakeReuse)
 
+        if not context.connection_ready:
+            raise HandlerException("No connection established")
+
         profile = context.profile
         mgr = OutOfBandManager(profile)
         try:
diff --git a/aries_cloudagent/protocols/out_of_band/v1_0/handlers/tests/test_reuse_handler.py b/aries_cloudagent/protocols/out_of_band/v1_0/handlers/tests/test_reuse_handler.py
index 2600c1db64..9a958b11ed 100644
--- a/aries_cloudagent/protocols/out_of_band/v1_0/handlers/tests/test_reuse_handler.py
+++ b/aries_cloudagent/protocols/out_of_band/v1_0/handlers/tests/test_reuse_handler.py
@@ -1,5 +1,7 @@
 """Test Reuse Message Handler."""
 
+from typing import AsyncGenerator, Generator
+
 import pytest
 
 from aries_cloudagent.tests import mock
@@ -9,7 +11,6 @@
 from ......messaging.request_context import RequestContext
 from ......messaging.responder import MockResponder
 from ......transport.inbound.receipt import MessageReceipt
-
 from ...handlers import reuse_handler as test_module
 from ...manager import OutOfBandManagerError
 from ...messages.reuse import HandshakeReuse
@@ -17,14 +18,14 @@
 
 
 @pytest.fixture()
-async def request_context() -> RequestContext:
+def request_context() -> Generator[RequestContext, None, None]:
     ctx = RequestContext.test_context()
     ctx.message_receipt = MessageReceipt()
     yield ctx
 
 
 @pytest.fixture()
-async def session(request_context) -> ProfileSession:
+async def session(request_context) -> AsyncGenerator[ProfileSession, None]:
     yield await request_context.session()
 
 
@@ -36,6 +37,7 @@ async def test_called(self, mock_oob_mgr, request_context):
         request_context.message = HandshakeReuse()
         handler = test_module.HandshakeReuseMessageHandler()
         request_context.connection_record = ConnRecord()
+        request_context.connection_ready = True
         responder = MockResponder()
         await handler.handle(request_context, responder)
         mock_oob_mgr.return_value.receive_reuse_message.assert_called_once_with(
@@ -53,6 +55,7 @@ async def test_reuse_accepted(self, mock_oob_mgr, request_context):
         request_context.message = HandshakeReuse()
         handler = test_module.HandshakeReuseMessageHandler()
         request_context.connection_record = ConnRecord()
+        request_context.connection_ready = True
         responder = MockResponder()
         await handler.handle(request_context, responder)
         mock_oob_mgr.return_value.receive_reuse_message.assert_called_once_with(
@@ -73,6 +76,7 @@ async def test_exception(
         request_context.message = HandshakeReuse()
         handler = test_module.HandshakeReuseMessageHandler()
         request_context.connection_record = ConnRecord()
+        request_context.connection_ready = True
         responder = MockResponder()
         with caplog.at_level("ERROR"):
             await handler.handle(request_context, responder)
diff --git a/aries_cloudagent/protocols/revocation_notification/v1_0/handlers/revoke_handler.py b/aries_cloudagent/protocols/revocation_notification/v1_0/handlers/revoke_handler.py
index 32697992da..9913af525b 100644
--- a/aries_cloudagent/protocols/revocation_notification/v1_0/handlers/revoke_handler.py
+++ b/aries_cloudagent/protocols/revocation_notification/v1_0/handlers/revoke_handler.py
@@ -1,9 +1,8 @@
 """Handler for revoke message."""
 
-from .....messaging.base_handler import BaseHandler
+from .....messaging.base_handler import BaseHandler, HandlerException
 from .....messaging.request_context import RequestContext
 from .....messaging.responder import BaseResponder
-
 from ..messages.revoke import Revoke
 
 
@@ -16,6 +15,10 @@ class RevokeHandler(BaseHandler):
     async def handle(self, context: RequestContext, responder: BaseResponder):
         """Handle revoke message."""
         assert isinstance(context.message, Revoke)
+
+        if not context.connection_ready:
+            raise HandlerException("No connection established")
+
         self._logger.debug(
             "Received notification of revocation for cred issued in thread %s "
             "with comment: %s",
diff --git a/aries_cloudagent/protocols/revocation_notification/v1_0/handlers/tests/test_revoke_handler.py b/aries_cloudagent/protocols/revocation_notification/v1_0/handlers/tests/test_revoke_handler.py
index 342aaf782d..f3b897c413 100644
--- a/aries_cloudagent/protocols/revocation_notification/v1_0/handlers/tests/test_revoke_handler.py
+++ b/aries_cloudagent/protocols/revocation_notification/v1_0/handlers/tests/test_revoke_handler.py
@@ -1,12 +1,14 @@
 """Test RevokeHandler."""
 
+from typing import Generator
+
 import pytest
 
 from ......core.event_bus import EventBus, MockEventBus
 from ......core.in_memory import InMemoryProfile
 from ......core.profile import Profile
 from ......messaging.request_context import RequestContext
-from ......messaging.responder import MockResponder, BaseResponder
+from ......messaging.responder import BaseResponder, MockResponder
 from ...messages.revoke import Revoke
 from ..revoke_handler import RevokeHandler
 
@@ -32,7 +34,7 @@ def message():
 
 
 @pytest.fixture
-def context(profile: Profile, message: Revoke):
+def context(profile: Profile, message: Revoke) -> Generator[RequestContext, None, None]:
     request_context = RequestContext(profile)
     request_context.message = message
     yield request_context
@@ -42,6 +44,7 @@ def context(profile: Profile, message: Revoke):
 async def test_handle(
     context: RequestContext, responder: BaseResponder, event_bus: MockEventBus
 ):
+    context.connection_ready = True
     await RevokeHandler().handle(context, responder)
     assert event_bus.events
     [(_, received)] = event_bus.events
@@ -55,6 +58,7 @@ async def test_handle_monitor(
     context: RequestContext, responder: BaseResponder, event_bus: MockEventBus
 ):
     context.settings["revocation.monitor_notification"] = True
+    context.connection_ready = True
     await RevokeHandler().handle(context, responder)
     [(_, webhook), (_, received)] = event_bus.events
 
diff --git a/aries_cloudagent/protocols/revocation_notification/v2_0/handlers/revoke_handler.py b/aries_cloudagent/protocols/revocation_notification/v2_0/handlers/revoke_handler.py
index 4332440761..f6969fc357 100644
--- a/aries_cloudagent/protocols/revocation_notification/v2_0/handlers/revoke_handler.py
+++ b/aries_cloudagent/protocols/revocation_notification/v2_0/handlers/revoke_handler.py
@@ -1,9 +1,8 @@
 """Handler for revoke message."""
 
-from .....messaging.base_handler import BaseHandler
+from .....messaging.base_handler import BaseHandler, HandlerException
 from .....messaging.request_context import RequestContext
 from .....messaging.responder import BaseResponder
-
 from ..messages.revoke import Revoke
 
 
@@ -16,6 +15,10 @@ class RevokeHandler(BaseHandler):
     async def handle(self, context: RequestContext, responder: BaseResponder):
         """Handle revoke message."""
         assert isinstance(context.message, Revoke)
+
+        if not context.connection_ready:
+            raise HandlerException("No connection established")
+
         self._logger.debug(
             "Received notification of revocation for %s cred %s with comment: %s",
             context.message.revocation_format,
diff --git a/aries_cloudagent/protocols/revocation_notification/v2_0/handlers/tests/test_revoke_handler.py b/aries_cloudagent/protocols/revocation_notification/v2_0/handlers/tests/test_revoke_handler.py
index ea523a8a26..93ef0b430a 100644
--- a/aries_cloudagent/protocols/revocation_notification/v2_0/handlers/tests/test_revoke_handler.py
+++ b/aries_cloudagent/protocols/revocation_notification/v2_0/handlers/tests/test_revoke_handler.py
@@ -1,12 +1,14 @@
 """Test RevokeHandler."""
 
+from typing import Generator
+
 import pytest
 
 from ......core.event_bus import EventBus, MockEventBus
 from ......core.in_memory import InMemoryProfile
 from ......core.profile import Profile
 from ......messaging.request_context import RequestContext
-from ......messaging.responder import MockResponder, BaseResponder
+from ......messaging.responder import BaseResponder, MockResponder
 from ...messages.revoke import Revoke
 from ..revoke_handler import RevokeHandler
 
@@ -36,7 +38,7 @@ def message():
 
 
 @pytest.fixture
-def context(profile: Profile, message: Revoke):
+def context(profile: Profile, message: Revoke) -> Generator[RequestContext, None, None]:
     request_context = RequestContext(profile)
     request_context.message = message
     yield request_context
@@ -46,6 +48,7 @@ def context(profile: Profile, message: Revoke):
 async def test_handle(
     context: RequestContext, responder: BaseResponder, event_bus: MockEventBus
 ):
+    context.connection_ready = True
     await RevokeHandler().handle(context, responder)
     assert event_bus.events
     [(_, received)] = event_bus.events
@@ -60,6 +63,7 @@ async def test_handle_monitor(
     context: RequestContext, responder: BaseResponder, event_bus: MockEventBus
 ):
     context.settings["revocation.monitor_notification"] = True
+    context.connection_ready = True
     await RevokeHandler().handle(context, responder)
     [(_, webhook), (_, received)] = event_bus.events