Child custody cases are often referred to as “battles” for a very important reason – these cases can be highly contentious and adversarial. Many parents do not fully understand how child custody determinations are made or the requirements under Connecticut law. Parents often approach a case trying to get “full custody” and even to punish the other parent by keeping them from the kids. However, this is often an unrealistic approach as the law has evolved to favor joint custody in most cases. Going for full custody can cost you unnecessary time and money and you may likely not receive the result you want.

To fully understand how custody case works and to make the process as stress-free as possible for you and your child, it is important to seek help from an attorney who has extensive experience handling custody matters in Connecticut. The right attorney can help you in the following ways and more.

Knowing How Custody Determinations Work in CT

Custody laws in Connecticut are complex and require the court to first and foremost consider the best interests of the child when settling on a custody arrangement. The law also presumes that joint custody is in the best interests of the child unless evidence is presented that proves otherwise. Many different factors can be considered by a judge when deciding what is in the child’s best interests, including:

• The developmental needs of the child
• The ability and willingness of each parent to meet those needs
• The parents’ wishes for custody
• Whether each parent is willing to facilitate a meaningful relationship between the child and the other parent
• How the child has interacted with each parent in the past
• The child’s connection to a home, siblings, community, school, and more
• Whether either parent has tried to manipulate the child to favor that parent
• Whether each parent is able to have an active involvement in the child’s life
• The cultural background of the child and parents
• The stability of each parent’s residence
• Whether one parent or anyone in a parent’s home has committed domestic abuse against the child or someone else
• The physical and mental health of each parent

Presenting all of these factors in your favor can be complicated, especially if your case is adversarial. The right attorney will know how to present the best case possible in your situation.

Helping You Reach an Out-of-Court Agreement

A skilled lawyer will also know that reaching an out-of-court agreement between the parents can significantly relieve the stress of a custody case. In this situation, the court will simply have to approve the agreed-upon arrangement and no trial will be necessary. This can be extremely beneficial for everyone involved in many ways.

Contact Our Experienced Stamford Family Lawyers to Discuss Your Case Today

At the Law Offices of Piazza, Simmons & Grant, we know that each custody case is different and we will approach each case individually and in your and your child’s best interests. If you need help, please call our family law attorneys at 203-348-2465 or contact us online.