Connecticut joint custody is sometimes misunderstood. It is often used too loosely or incorrectly. There are two aspects to child custody in Connecticut. 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…
Parenting Plans in Connecticut can vary greatly. Some are quite detailed – others just cover the basics. Many people think that a Parenting Plan is really just limited to a custody or visitation arrangement but it is much more than that. So, what are the essential elements of Parenting Plan? At a minimum, every Parenting…
In making orders concerning custody and visitation, a judge must consider the best interests of the child. But what does “best interests” mean? Connecticut General Statutes sets forth the following factors: The temperament and developmental needs of the child; The capacity and the disposition of the parents to understand and meet the needs of the…
I get this questions often: Can DCF speak with my child? It is clear that DCF is allowed to interview a child during an Investigation with the parent or guardian’s consent. And sometimes permitting a child to speak with a Social Worker makes sense. The real question is whether a Social Worker is allowed to…
I imagine that there is nothing more unsettling than being investigated for child abuse. This is especially true if the Social Worker presumes a parent is guilty from the beginning. As a result, the whole Investigation is compromised and tainted as DCF searches for any evidence to support the abuse allgeations while dismissing or disregarding…
When DCF files a Neglect Petition in Connecticut Juvenile Court they can also request an Order of Temporary Custody (OTC). They will usually do this after they have executed a 96 hour hold because they believe that the child is in serious danger and therefore the child should be immediately removed for their parents. Here…
DCF home visits can cause anxiety to even the best parents. And DCF has changed their policy in scheduling their home visits. In the past, just about every new case resulted in an unexpected knock on the door. Now, unannounced DCF home visits are reserved for those cases where DCF believes that the child needs…
This is a common question: how long does it take to get a Connecticut divorce? Or as some phrase it – how quickly can I get divorced? For starters, Connecticut has a ninety-day waiting period, which starts running on the Return Date. The Return Date is a few weeks after the Defendant spouse is…
A Restraining Order in Connecticut is designed to protect victims of domestic violence. Here’s an overview on how to file one: 1. File the Application (Restraining Order) The person requesting the Restraining Order (Applicant) must file an Application (found online and at all Clerk’s Offices) along with an Affidavit. The Affidavit must set forth…
It is possible. Connecticut judges will award sole custody if such an arrangement is in the child’s best interest. Sole custody also referred to as full custody may be awarded if the other parent is unable or unwilling to participate meaningfully in decisions affecting the child. It may also be granted to one parent if…