When parents end their relationship in Connecticut, they will need to obtain a custody order or create a custody agreement to determine how they plan to share parental responsibilities. This order can be issued by a judge, or parents could come to a mutual agreement via negotiations or mediation.
There are two types of custody in Connecticut: physical and legal. As mentioned above, physical custody primarily involves how much time each child spends with a parent. The parents may split custody equally, or one parent may have sole physical custody. One parent will always be designated as the primary custodial parent.
On the other hand, custody refers to a parent’s authority to make important decisions on behalf of a child. These decisions may involve the child’s education, medical care, and religion. Parents often share legal custody regardless of the physical custody arrangement. However, a judge may award sole legal custody to a parent if it is in the best interest of the child.
When making any decisions regarding physical custody, legal custody, child support or visitation time, a court will always consider the best interests of the child. There are several factors that go into these decisions, including the child’s needs, the physical and mental health of the parents, and the stability of each parent’s residence.