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.
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:
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.
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.
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.