Connecticut joint custody is sometimes misunderstood. It is often used too loosely or incorrectly.
There are two aspects to Connecticut joint custody. So when creating a Parenting Plan start with these questions:
Where will the child live? This is called residential or physical custody. Generally, there are three variations:
1. The most common arrangement is where one parent has is the primary residential parent subject to visitation by the other parent.
2. The parents may have shared plan. In such an arrangement, the child essentially has two homes with toys, clothes and possessions in the homes of both parents. This may not be a strict 50/50 arrangement but the schedule sets forth substantial time for the child with both parents in both homes.
3. A final variation is “split custody” which involves two or more children where one child lives primarily with one parent and at least one other child lives primarily with the other parent.
Once these issues are decided then decision-making should be addressed.
How will major decisions concerning the child be made? This known as legal custody. The major decisions involve a child’s health, education and religious upbringing. There are two possibilities:
1. Sole – major decisions are made one parent without the necessity of input by the other parent. In essence, one parent is permitted to act unilaterally.
2. Joint – both parents are involved in the decision making process. In the event of an impasse between the parents, the divorce decree will spell out a way to resolve the dispute, which may include final decision-making authority to one parent, participating in mediation or filing a motion with the court.
Start with these two questions and you are well on your way to drafting a solid Parenting Plan.
Please contact me if you want additional information on Connecticut joint custody.