When parents get divorced, they often worry about how it will affect their relationship with their children. When a father has been an engaged parent, there is no reason that their active participation in their children’s lives should not continue.
Connecticut divorce law is neutral to mothers and fathers, but you still need a dedicated family attorney to demonstrate that you are committed to being present for your children. Work with a New Canaan father’s rights lawyer to give yourself the best chance of reaching your child custody goals in your divorce.
Connecticut law does not give either parent preference in child custody matters. Fathers have as much right to parenting time and decision-making authority as mothers do. The law favors arrangements that promote both parents’ active, consistent involvement in the children’s upbringing when each parent is interested in and capable of being engaged.
Physical custody is the right to live with the child, and courts can grant joint physical custody to both parents or sole custody to one. When parents agree to joint custody, the law presumes it serves the children’s best interests. Joint custody does not mean that timesharing is split 50/50, but parents with joint custody divide time as evenly as possible, given their circumstances.
Legal custody is the right to make decisions about education, healthcare, religion, and legal matters on behalf of the child. The law presumes children benefit from both parents’ input. Courts typically grant joint legal custody unless one parent proves that the other’s involvement in decision-making does not promote the children’s best interests.
Connecticut General Statutes § 46a-56 describes how judges must make decisions regarding child custody. The law lists multiple factors a judge could evaluate when considering the children’s best interests. These include the following:
In addition to the factors included in the statutes, the judge can consider any other information relevant to custody.
Even when parents agree on custody, the judge must review the plan to ensure it meets the “best interests” standard. Whether the parents present a joint plan or disagree and separately submit their preferred custody arrangement, a New Canaan attorney will ensure the court is aware of all the information supporting a father’s rights and custody goals.
When a father has been the primary source of a family’s income, they may owe alimony and child support. Fathers are sometimes concerned that these payments might impede their ability to provide an appropriate home for their children.
A New Canaan lawyer can protect a father’s rights by presenting income and expenditures documentation to ensure the judge has accurate information.
If you are like many fathers, your relationship with your children is of the utmost importance to you. You need to work with a legal professional who understands that and will fight for your relationship when necessary.
Reach out to a New Canaan father’s rights lawyer when you decide to divorce. They can help you meet your custody and visitation goals. Call our law office to get started today.
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