Divorced and unmarried parents must work out terms for parenting their children. However, differing views can make it difficult to come to an agreement about a parenting plan. In disputed cases, the family court can step in and determine a resolution.
If you are battling in court for the right to see your children, you may feel stressed and anxious. However, you do not need to face visitation proceedings alone. A Connecticut visitation lawyer can be a supportive advocate for you throughout the legal process. Working with an experienced attorney can help you understand your rights as a parent and protect your relationship with your children.
There are two types of custody: legal and physical custody. A parent with legal custody can make decisions regarding medical treatments, education, and other important issues in the children’s lives. Physical custody pertains to where the child primarily resides.
Many families have joint custody agreements, where both parents spend time with the children and participate in important decisions. In other cases, one parent will have sole legal custody, physical custody, or both. Even if a parent does not have physical custody, they still may have the right to spend time with the children as part of a visitation schedule.
In some cases, a parent with primary physical custody will raise concerns over whether the children are safe under the other parent’s care. If the judge agrees that the child is at risk, the court may order supervised visitation, where the parent may only spend time with the child under watch from a professional or designated family member.
If the court grants supervised visitation, the arrangement usually only lasts for a limited period of time. The expectation is that the parent will eventually be granted unsupervised visitation if they demonstrate that they are fit. With help from a dedicated lawyer, a parent seeking visitation can work toward a schedule that allows frequent visitation and possibly even custody. A skilled visitation lawyer can help a parent understand their legal rights in pursuing more time with their children.
Visitation typically refers to the rights of a parent. However, another adult may serve as a caregiver for a child and develop a parental bond with them. In these cases, Connecticut law may offer visitation to non-parents.
Grandparents and stepparents are common examples of non-biological parents who may seek visitation rights. When filing for visitation, the petitioner must demonstrate how their relationship with the child is parent-like. They must also show that the discontinuation of the relationship will negatively impact the child. A skilled lawyer can help build a compelling case for visitation rights and present it in Connecticut family court.
Being denied time with your own children or children you helped raise can be devastating. However, there may be legal options for pursuing a visitation schedule that works for you and your family.
If you are seeking these rights, speak with a Connecticut visitation lawyer about your case. These proceedings are often emotional and challenging, but strong legal support can make all the difference. Call today to learn more.
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