Connecticut Child Custody Lawyer

If you are a parent separating from your partner, legal and physical custody of your shared children is likely one of your primary concerns. Whether or not you were married to your partner when your child was born, both parents have legal rights and obligations that can be exercised.

Child custody disputes can be highly emotional, as parents cherish their relationships with their children. Our dedicated family law attorneys understand the gravity of these types of cases and are prepared to stand up for your parental rights. Reach out to a Connecticut child custody lawyer today to gain a steadfast legal advocate.

Physical And Legal Custody in Connecticut

There are two types of child custody—physical and legal. Physical custody pertains to the child’s living arrangements. In a shared physical custody arrangement, the child will switch between living with each parent.

When one party has primary physical custody, the other parent typically gets visitation. The exact parenting schedule will ultimately be decided by a judge, who will consider what is in the child’s best interests.

What is Legal Custody?

Legal custody relates to the parents’ rights to render important decisions about the child’s religion, education, health care, and other life issues. Typically, there is a presumption that it is in the child’s best interests for parents to have joint legal custody unless one parent is otherwise shown to be unfit.

Parties believing they should have sole legal custody may refute this presumption by providing evidence that the other parent’s involvement would be detrimental to the child. A skilled local attorney can represent parents in their pursuit of joint legal or primary physical custody.

Determining What is in a Child’s Best Interest

Although the court has the final say in child custody matters, parents may negotiate a proposed parenting plan. A legally binding agreement can be merged into a court order.

Connecticut courts use the child’s best interest standard when ruling on custody and support. The courts evaluate several statutory factors when determining the child’s best interest in a custody case. Typical considerations in a disputed case include:

The child’s age and temperament
The child’s developmental needs
Each parent’s ability to understand and meet their child’s needs
Each parent’s relationship with their child
The child’s relationship with their siblings
Each parent’s proposed custody arrangement

Parents who wish to draft a proposed parenting plan for child custody and support should work with a knowledgeable attorney in Connecticut who can ensure it is legally sound.

What Do Separating Parents Have to Do During a Child Custody Determination?

As a lawyer could further explain, under Connecticut law, couples who are in the process of separating or divorcing and have minor children must attend a parenting education class related to custody soon after filing their case. This class is meant to teach parents how to help their children adjust to life post-divorce.

Get in Touch with a Connecticut Child Custody Attorney Today