Co-Parenting App for Connecticut Parents

What Connecticut courts consider in custody decisions

Connecticut courts apply 17 statutory factors under § 46b-56(c) including the temperament and developmental needs of the child, each parent's capacity and disposition to understand the child's needs, the child's preference if of sufficient age, the child's past and current involvement with each parent, each parent's willingness to facilitate a continuing relationship with the other parent, any manipulation or coercive behavior by a parent to involve the child in the parents' dispute, the ability of each parent to be actively involved in the child's life, the stability of the child's existing environment, the mental and physical health of all parties, any history of domestic violence, and any history of child abuse or neglect. Connecticut uniquely includes whether a parent has unjustifiably denied the other parent access to the child.

How the custody process works in Connecticut

Connecticut custody cases are filed in Superior Court (Family Division). Parents in contested cases are required to complete a parenting education program under § 46b-69b within 60 days of the return date. The court may refer parties to Family Services for mediation or a custody evaluation. Connecticut allows judges to interview children in chambers and may appoint an attorney for the minor child or a guardian ad litem to investigate and report on the child's best interests.

Key Connecticut custody statutes

• Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-56
• Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-56a
• Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-69b