Child custody is probably the most high-stakes issue in a divorce. Even when couples split amicably, it can be tough to keep emotions in check when it comes to making decisions about the most important people in your life: your kids. A Simsbury family lawyer from Rich Rochlin Family Law can give you compassionate support and work to uphold your parental rights as you go through this process.
Our high Google ratings have earned our team a “High-Rated Service” recognition. You’ll understand why when you partner with a child custody lawyer in Simsbury. We’ll provide you with knowledgeable, effective representation while working to keep your relationship with your child strong and healthy.
Child Custody Agreements Put the Child’s Best Interests First
Determining the best interest of the child is how child custody is decided in Connecticut. The court considers the child’s developmental needs and how able each parent is to meet those needs. It considers the child’s relationship with each parent, with siblings, and other important people in their lives. The child’s connection to the community and school also matters.
Examining each parent’s physical and mental health, and the stability of each residence, also plays a key role in the decision. Simply, the court conducts an exhaustive analysis of the child’s overall situation and those involved in it when deciding matters of custody.
A Simsbury child custody attorney can help you present your custody preferences to the court, demonstrating how this arrangement serves your child best. We will work diligently to minimize stress and support your relationship with your child.
Keeping Emotions Under Control
Divorce is one of the most stressful life experiences a person can have. When kids and custody are involved, the stress level and emotional intensity ratchet up even higher. Courts pay attention to a parent’s emotional stability and their commitment to fostering a healthy co-parenting relationship with their co-parent.
Rich Rochlin Family Law can help you work toward a lower-conflict divorce in Connecticut, explaining how mediation protects your kids and your future. If this is not an option in your situation, we will provide the personal support and guidance you need to get through your higher-conflict divorce. We have seen clients through the most challenging situations and can do the same for you.
Call today for a consultation with a child custody lawyer serving Simsbury (860) 357-9158
Types of Child Custody Arrangements in Connecticut
A child custody determination is a “judgment, decree, or other order of the court providing for the legal custody, physical custody, or visitation with respect to a child,” per the Child Custody Actions in Connecticut publication. Child support is a separate issue.
A parent with legal custody makes important life decisions for the child, such as those regarding education, health, and religious instruction. Physical custody refers to where and with which parent the child resides. The court can assign “joint” or “sole” custodial rights to parents.
In a joint custody arrangement, parents share the privilege and responsibility of making decisions for and living with the child. In sole custody arrangements, one parent has those rights. Arrangements can also represent a mix of these two options. Parents may have joint legal custody, but one parent has sole physical custody of the child, and the other has visitation rights.
How Visitation Works
The Connecticut General Assembly (CGA) presumes a joint custody arrangement serves the child’s best interests per Section 46b-56a. Even so, the court may assign sole physical custody to one parent. Perhaps the parents agree to the arrangement to provide more stability, for example. The other parent still has the right to see the child. These rights are established in a visitation agreement.
Visitation is a court order determining how much time a noncustodial parent spends with their child, according to Child Visitation Actions in Connecticut. Other terms for visitation are “parenting time or access.” Grandparents or other non-parental third parties can also request visitation rights from the court.
Child Custody Exchanges
Once the court issues your custody agreement, you must follow it. Violations can result in serious consequences. It’s also best if you and your ex follow child custody exchange etiquette. The smoother the exchanges, the better for your child and your family.
Unmarried Couples and Child Custody
The way the court decides custody matters for married couples is typically the same way it determines child custody for unmarried couples. The goal is to serve the child’s best interests. Complications can arise if there are questions about paternity or other special circumstances. An experienced child custody attorney in Simsbury can handle any complexities your situation presents.
Simsbury Child Custody Lawyer Near Me (860) 357-9158
A Simsbury Child Custody Attorney Can Help You Change a Custody Agreement
As time passes, your child’s and your family’s needs may change. You may want to change the custody agreement to address these changes. Don’t simply make informal changes on your own. To maintain compliance with the court, you can petition the court for modifications. A Simsbury child custody lawyer can help you do things the right way.
You can find several of the forms required for making the request on the Connecticut Judicial Branch Family Forms page. Your modification request must be based on “substantial changes in circumstances.”
Once completed, you can deliver the documents to the Superior Court Clerk’s office. A state marshal will serve your ex with the papers.
Then, you’ll attend a hearing where the court will issue a decision. Once again, we can help you through this entire process, ensuring the correct completion of all documents and providing advocacy at the hearing.
Substantial Changes in Circumstances
A change in your child’s life could prompt your request for modification. For example, their social, emotional, or academic needs may require a custody change. Other times, a parent’s financial situation, residence, or physical or mental health could change, or a work schedule could undergo a dramatic shift. A parent’s refusal to abide by visitation schedules could also incite a petition for modification.
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We’re Here for You and Your Children
Rich Rochlin Family Law cares about your family. Though your family is changing, your relationship with your child can still flourish.
A Simsbury child custody lawyer can help you through the child-custody process, so you can move into this new phase of life knowing your parent-child relationship will continue to grow.
Let us help navigate your family legal matters schedule your consultation now.
