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Determining the Best Interests of the Child in Hartford

Family law disputes regarding custody can be difficult for all parties involved. If the parents are unable to decide on a parenting plan, the courts must make a decision. When determining the best interests of the child in Hartford, Connecticut courts will evaluate each side’s proposed custody arrangements and parenting plans.

Our child custody attorneys at Dolan Divorce Lawyers advocate for parents and children in custody disputes. We understand that custody is a major issue and that the process can be emotional. Our team can protect your legal rights while navigating the custody process.

What Are the Best Interests of the Child Standard?

When determining child custody, a court in Hartford will follow the best interests of the child standard. This means a judge considers the child’s physical and emotional safety, including any history of abuse or neglect. The court can also examine whether both parents are capable of providing for the child’s developmental, educational, medical, and emotional needs. Depending on the age and maturity level of the child, the court may also consider their preference. What a judge also reviews includes:

  • Each parent’s ability to provide care
  • The parents’ mental and physical health
  • The stability of each parent’s living situation
  • The child’s relationship with each parent and any siblings
  • Whether a proposed plan would keep the child in the same school or community

When parents cannot agree on a parenting plan in Hartford, the court will decide custody by evaluating the child’s best interests.

Evidence to Support the Best Interests of the Child

The court can use several tools when considering what custody arrangements serve a child’s best interests in Hartford. It can appoint a family relations counselor to help parents mediate their custody dispute and create a parenting plan. If the parents cannot agree, the counselor can conduct a custody evaluation and make recommendations to the court.

The court can also appoint a guardian ad litem, who is an attorney or mental health professional, to help determine the child’s best interests. The guardian ad litem can interview the child, teachers, medical professionals, mental health professionals, or others who know the family and child. The guardian ad litem submits a report to the court with custody recommendations.

Contact a Hartford Custody Lawyer About How Courts Determine a Child’s Best Interests

When you and your ex-partner are unable to agree on a custody plan, an experienced attorney from our firm can guide you through the legal process. At Dolan Divorce Lawyers, our attorneys understand that a custody dispute can be complex and leave you with many questions. We are here to help you navigate the custody process. Contact us today for guidance on how courts approach determining the best interests of the child in Hartford.

Connecticut Family Lawyer | CT Family Law | Dolan Family Attorneys N/a
36 Russ St Suite 1454 Hartford CT 06106 (860) 850-2702