Parents navigating custody arrangements will find that Connecticut law contains specific rules that influence parenting time. Understanding the unique aspects of visitation in Stamford can help you make informed decisions to protect your parental rights and ensure your child’s well-being.
Dolan Divorce Lawyers represents parents in all types of visitation matters. Whether you are negotiating a schedule, finalizing an agreement, or resolving disputes, the team of talented visitation attorneys is dedicated to guiding you through the process. Dolan Divorce Lawyers focuses on solutions that meet the child’s specific needs while respecting each parent’s role in their lives.
In Connecticut, co-parents are legally required to complete a court-approved parenting education program before a visitation order is finalized. As long as the child is under 18 years old, any party involved in a visitation case has 60 days to participate in the program. These courses address how divorce and custody disputes affect children. They also offer strategies for cooperative co-parenting. One of their primary goals is to help parents create a healthy post-divorce environment.
Completion of the course is mandatory in most cases, and proof of attendance must be filed with the court. Parents who fail to complete the program may experience delays in the approval of their visitation schedule. In Stamford, failing to follow this unique aspect of visitation arrangement has the potential to impact the timeline of the case.
Visitation schedules in Stamford are memorialized in a parenting plan, which must then be approved by the court. The plan outlines the details of parenting time customized to the family’s needs. This can include weekday and weekend schedules, holiday rotations, vacation periods, and transportation arrangements.
Without court approval, informal visitation agreements may not be enforceable. With a court-approved visitation plan, both parents can be held accountable for following the schedule. In addition, a formal visitation plan helps reduce disputes about missed visits or last-minute changes. Having an approved plan also gives the child a set routine in an otherwise complicated time in their life.
State law is specific in regards to relocation by a custodial parent. Under Connecticut General Statutes § 46b-56d, if a custodial parent wishes to move somewhere that would impact the other parent’s court-ordered parenting time, they must obtain the court’s permission to move. The moving parent must show that the relocation is for a legitimate purpose, that the location is reasonable in light of that purpose, and that the move is in the child’s best interests.
Relocation cases in Stamford are unique in that they can directly affect visitation schedules. They can also impact the amount of time each parent spends with the child. Even minor parenting duties, such as who drives the child to school, can be affected. In these cases, courts will take factors such as the distance of the move, the child’s relationships with both parents, and the possibility of keeping the existing visitation arrangement into consideration.
Understanding the unique aspects of visitation in Stamford can give you a clear advantage when navigating the legal process. At Dolan Divorce Lawyers, we provide guidance tailored to your circumstances. Our goal is to ensure your visitation plan reflects your role as a parent and supports your children’s best interests. Call us today to learn how we can help you with all aspects of a visitation arrangement, working toward a plan that benefits you and your family.
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