Best interest of child in Connecticut. Spend any time in Family Court and you will hear the phrase repeatedly.
But what does “best interests of the child” really mean?
Connecticut General Statutes Section 46b-56(c) sets forth 16 factors that a judge may consider when making or modifying orders concerning custody, visitation and parenting plans.
Here is the top ten list of best interest factors starting with the most important:
- Physical safety of the child;
- Whether there is any neglect or abuse by a parent;
- The child’s emotional safety;
- The action or inaction by a parent that has resulted in any emotional abuse;
- The ability of each parent to meet the medical and emotional needs of the child;
- The developmental needs of the child;
- Which parent is better equipped to meet those developmental needs;
- Each parent’s ability to appropriately discipline and set boundaries;
- Who is the “psychological parent” of the child;
- The informed preferences of the child taking into account age and maturity.
In addition, parental alienation and domestic violence are “game changers.”
If a parent attempts to undermine or manipulate a child’s relationship with the other parent that parent may lose custody.
Ditto for any controlling or coercive behavior.
Please contact me to discuss matter concerning the best interest of child in Connecticut.