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Connecticut Child Custody

Divorce courts tend to want to assign joint child custody so the child can have a continuing and lasting relationship with both parents; however, joint custody isn't always possible because of the circumstances of the divorce. When determining child custody, the Connecticut divorce court will use the key standard of what's in the best interest of the child.

The Connecticut divorce court presumes that joint child custody is in the best interest of the child but uses other child custody considerations, including:

  • Temperament and developmental needs of the child
  • Ability of the parents to understand and meet the needs of the child
  • Parents' wishes regarding child custody
  • Past and present interaction and relationship between the child and parents, siblings and other people who may significantly affect the best interests of the child
  • Willingness and ability of each parent to encourage a continuing relationship between the other parent and child, including complying with court orders
  • Any manipulation or coercive behavior by the parents to involve the child in a dispute
  • Ability of each parent to be involved in the child's life
  • Child's ability to adjust to the home, school and community environment
  • Length of time the child has lived in a stable and satisfactory environment
  • Mental and physical health of everyone involved
  • Child's cultural background
  • Abuse and neglect by parents or siblings
  • If the parties involved participated in a parenting education program mandated by the state

Grandparent Visitation

Most states don't automatically grant visitation rights for grandparents, but it may be possible to petition for child visitation rights. In Connecticut, the divorce court will make an order granting child visitation to grandparents or any other person once an application for visitation rights has been filed with the court. To make or modify the order, the Connecticut divorce court will use what's in the best interest of the child and consider the wishes of the child, if he or she is capable of having an intelligent opinion.

A local Connecticut divorce lawyer can help you figure out how the circumstances of your divorce can affect Connecticut child custody. Work on protecting your relationship with your child by calling 877-349-1310 or filling out a Connecticut divorce case review form. Connect with a Connecticut divorce attorney near you to get legal divorce advice today.

The above synopsis of Connecticut divorce laws is by no means all-inclusive and has been adapted from applicable state laws. These laws may have changed since our last update and there may be additional laws that apply in your situation. For the latest information on these divorce laws, please contact a local Connecticut divorce lawyer in your area.

Connecticut divorce laws were last updated May 2009.

Note: Keep in mind that all divorce laws are complex. If you need legal divorce advice or want to fully understand how these laws affect you, please speak with a local divorce attorney.

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