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The following is summarized from the Connecticut General Assembly Office of Legislative Research, Report #2011-R-0377
WHAT IS CHILD CUSTODY
In Connecticut, child custody, in cases of dissolution of a marriage, is determined by a judge in the Family Division of Superior Court. Judges use the “best interests of the child” standard in awarding custody of minor children. If both parents agree, the law establishes a presumption of joint custody. There is also a presumption that it is in the child’s best interest to be in the custody of a parent over a non-parent. But, testimony or other evidence can rebut both of these presumptions.
Parents who have divorced, legally separated, had marriages annulled, or ended non-marital relationships usually reach out-of-court agreements concerning a minor child‘s legal and physical custody. Parents with legal custody have the duty and responsibility to make major decisions about such issues as schooling, religious upbringing, and ongoing medical care. Physical custody entails the child‘s day-to-day care and residence.)
WHAT CAN THE COURT REQUIRE OF PARENT
When parents do not agree, court mediators, retired judges, or volunteer attorneys will attempt to help them resolve their differences. If this fails, a family court judge or magistrate will hold a trial and issue a decision reflecting what he or she determines to be in the child‘s best interest. Additional information can be found here: https://www.jud.ct.gov/forms/grouped/family/dcv.htm
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON CHILD CUSTODY ISSUES
TO FIND PROVIDERS IN CONNECTICUT’S COMMUNITY RESOURCES DATABASE:
Search by service names:
Co-Parenting Workshops
Family Law Courts
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SOURCE: Connecticut General Assembly Office of Legislative Research, Report #2011-R-0377; CTLawHelp.org
PREPARED BY: 211/ch
CONTENT LAST REVIEWED: December2023