When Connecticut couples divorce, both parents are typically concerned about the effect the divorce will have on their children. Child custody laws vary from state to state, but the basics are more or less standard. If parents fail to reach agreements on custody and parenting, the court will make the decision. Even the agreements reached by parents have to be authorized by the court before it can be included in the divorce agreement.
Parents can be awarded joint or sole custody, and then there are decisions to be made over legal and physical custody. The courts in all states tend to award joint custody to ensure that children will have continued relationships with both parents. Conversely, in cases in which one spouse has a history of substance abuse or is abusive, the court may award sole custody.
The ideal situation is for parents to have joint legal and physical custody. That will mean that both parents together will make legal decisions about matters related to the child, and parenting will also be split equally between the parents. In a case in which one parent is incapable of making legal decisions, the court may award legal custody to the other parent, but physical custody to both.
Because decisions about child custody can significantly impact on the post-divorce lives of parents and children, it is important to address it with the necessary consideration. The best interests of the child are the primary concern of Connecticut family courts. With the guidance of an experienced family law attorney who can explain the child custody laws of the state, a divorcing parent may learn about the pros and cons of the different types of child custody and make informed decisions.
Source: divorcedmoms.com, “Types of Child Custody: Which One is Best For Your Child?”, Accessed on June 15, 2016