If you have children with a former spouse or partner, you may be wondering who has the right to care for them. The laws surrounding legal and physical custody in Connecticut can be complex, and the court uses a variety of factors to rule in these cases.
Our skilled lawyers can help you better understand the legal statutes governing child custody and fight for what is best for your children. Reach out to a lawyer today to learn more about your legal options.
Legal custody is the ability to make major life decisions for one’s child. This includes making choices about their schooling, healthcare, and religion until they reach 18 years of age. In Connecticut, it is common for the court to award parents joint legal custody of their shared children. However, the court can also award sole legal custody to one party, if that is what is best for the child.
Physical custody determines where the child will physically reside. There are two common scenarios for parents engaged in custody disputes. The court may award primary physical custody to one party and visitation to the other. Alternatively, parents may share physical custody. In these situations, the child would alternate between both parents’ residences for an equal amount of time.
One common type of shared custody schedule is the 2-2-3 plan. This plan involves a two-week rotating schedule where on the first week one parent has the children on Mondays and Tuesdays, while the other has them Wednesdays and Thursdays, and the parties alternate days the second week, including alternating weekends, Friday through Sunday.
This type of schedule is frequently used with co-parents who live within a reasonable distance of each other. If the parents live in different cities, states, or countries, they may need to negotiate a more feasible child custody plan.
Custodial rights are determined by the court, meaning each party has a legal obligation to abide by any final custody orders. For example, parents with joint legal custody are required to check in with the other party when making major decisions regarding their children.
Parents with primary or shared physical custody are responsible for ensuring their children have a residence on their scheduled days. Additionally, the living conditions in that residence must be reasonable. Custodial parents must also care for their children daily by making sure they have proper food and clothing.
Individuals with visitation rights are obligated to ensure their children are safe during their allotted parenting time. Both parties must also drop off and pick up their children on time pursuant to the visitation schedule. A seasoned lawyer can inform Connecticut parents of the importance of adhering to court orders regarding legal and physical custody.
As a parent, it is natural to be concerned about how a divorce or separation will impact your right to raise your children. Custody disputes can become quite emotional and contentious depending on your relationship with your former partner.
Instead of attempting to handling your case alone, talk to a lawyer about legal and physical custody in Connecticut. It is crucial to understand the different forms of custody and your respective rights and responsibilities. Contact our firm today to schedule a consultation and discuss your case.
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