Custody & Visitation We Can Help You Go From Unhappy to Happy Even After

Custody & Visitation Laws in Connecticut

Connecticut Divorce Lawyer Discusses Parental Rights

When children are involved in a divorce, the issue of custody is often highly emotional and a source of contention. In fact, child custody is often the most contested aspect of a divorce and, therefore, frequently causes the whole process to drag on longer than normal. This is why it's so important that you have a skilled attorney on your side.

Happy Even After Family Law can help you protect your rights and resolve your child custody dispute as quickly and painlessly as possible. To learn more about CT custody laws and how our Hamden family law firm can help you, call us today.

Call Happy Even After at (203) 288-7800 for help with your child custody case today! Or contact a child custody attorney near you online here.

Child Custody Laws in CT

What Determines Who Gets Custody?

The judge will determine child custody based on the best interests of the child.

There are various factors to consider when thinking about what is in the child’s best interests. Some of these include:

  • Which parent can best meet the child’s physical and emotional needs
  • Which parent can take responsibility for the child
  • Which parent has a greater bond and relationship with the child
  • How the parents cooperate with each other

If you have further questions about how child custody is determined in Connecticut, do not hesitate to contact our CT family law firm.

Types of Custody in Connecticut

The legal terms used to define custody are often confusing to people, but the distinction between "legal custody" and "physical/residential custody" is not as complicated as it seems.

Let's take a closer look at the two types of child custody:

  • Legal Custody – The right of a person to make major decisions on behalf of the child, such as decisions regarding the child's education, health, and religion. Sole custody is when one parent is the primary decision maker.
  • Physical Custody – The parent or parents with whom the child will live. This can include joint physical custody, where the child splits their time living between the parent's homes.

If you have questions about child custody, then call (203) 288-7800 to speak with a family custody attorney at Happy Even After Family Law!

Is Connecticut a Mother State?

Traditionally, courts have favored the mother in custody cases. However, in modern times, this is not necessarily the case.

In Connecticut, both the mother and father have equal standing before the court to gain custody of the child. The court will decide using various factors what is in the best interests of the child, but it will not favor the mother by default.

Is Connecticut a 50/50 Custody State?

While the courts in Connecticut often favor a 50/50 split for joint legal custody, it does not necessarily favor a 50/50 split for joint physical custody.

Moving back and forth between each parent’s home can be disruptive for the child; the lack of stability could prove harmful. Instead, the courts might order sole physical custody for one parent, and appropriate visitation rights for the other parent.

The parents are not the primary factor here—rather, it is the best interests of the child.

Avoiding Messy Child Custody Battles

Although the divorce or custody process often raises feelings of bitterness and resentment toward the other person, it is in everyone's best interest to reach an amicable agreement regarding custody and visitation. Once your relationship has deteriorated, you and the other parent still need to raise your children together, even though you now reside in different houses.

Your children should not feel like they need to choose sides. To help alleviate this burden that children often assume, it is important that both parents work together to make the end of their marriage as minimally disruptive to their child's life as possible.

Speak with a Child Custody Attorney Near You

Reaching an agreement, however, is not always an option. In this situation, the child custody lawyers at Happy Ever After are prepared to vigorously and aggressively litigate the issue of custody.

A child's interests are paramount to the issue of custody. Those interests are represented, not by the child, but by their own appointed counsel referred to as a guardian ad litem.

Find out more about what to expect. Contact us online now for an initial consultation. Or visit our reviews to see why clients choose our Hamden law firm when they need top-rated local child custody lawyers.

Our Main Focus Is You

Hear What Our Clients Have to Say
    "The best decision that I've ever made"
    Divorce is never easy but the folks at this law firm made things so easy. They explained everything to me in detail, they kept me updated on proceedings & what to expect. The attorney gave me superior representation in court. The electronic communication was fast, billing was handled promptly with details & the staff was exceptionally professional. The best decision that I've ever made was to hire this firm.
    - Jenine W.
    "Thank you so much"
    Everything went smooth. I don’t have to worry about anything my attorney took care of it. I really appreciate it. I’m happy with Happy Even After, family law. Thank you so much.
    - Sumit S.
    "I am truly grateful for the dedication."
    I am truly grateful for the dedication.
    - Joel
    "I would recommend Happy Even After to anyone looking for support and guidance during these times…"
    I would recommend Happy Even After to anyone looking for support and guidance during these times, it has been such a relief to have the representation of the team at Happy Even After.
    - Jenna S.
    "Words cannot express how much I appreciate you"
    Thank you for helping me through this difficult trial and ensuring the best possible outcome on my behalf. I am so happy to start my next chapter. For many years I only dreamed of this chapter and now it’s a reality with the help of a very passionate
    - Erica
    "Renee helped me find the strength that I didn’t know I had."
    Renee sees the whole picture and doesn’t just focus on the legal issues. She recognizes the emotional impact of divorce and knows how difficult it can be, even if you are the one initiating it.
    - Julie
    "She's a master of her craft and has a tough inner strength!"
    Renee and her team were highly responsive and thorough. Crucially, Renee showed an inner strength and adaptability that helped work through the often unreasonable demands and tactics of my ex.
    - JD
    "Renée was very thorough and smart when it comes to divorce and child custody especially for fathers’ rights."
    I had to find an attorney and the Happy Even After was highly recommended to me so I made my consultation with Renée. Right away I felt at ease. Renée took some of my worries away and she reassured me this is all normal procedure in getting a divorce. Renée was very professional, respectful, polite and kind... Renée was very thorough and smart when it comes to divorce and child custody especially for fathers’ rights. Everyone in her office was very professional, polite and caring. The paralegal was very helpful. She would get things done ASAP and if you needed something, she would send it through email right away. It was always a pleasure speaking with her on the phone, in person or through email. I also had the pleasure of working with Leslie who prepared my financial affidavit. She was always a pleasure to speak with, very polite, professional and helpful. Leslie would walk me through something I did not understand step-by-step or would find the answer for me. Overall, the whole firm was excellent. I highly recommend Happy Even After to anyone that's going through a divorce..... thanks for the positive experience from Renée and her law firm!!!!
    - Phil

Contact Happy Even After Today!

We’re Ready to Help

A member of our team will be in touch shortly to confirm your contact details or address questions you may have.

  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.
  • By submitting, you agree to be contacted about your request & other information using automated technology. Message frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Text STOP to cancel. Acceptable Use Policy
  • A custom legal strategy based on your goals and needs.
  • We pride ourselves on relentless high quality representation.
  • We care about how your divorce impacts your children and our approach is always child-centered.
  • We stand against unnecessary conflict.