Child Custody in Connecticut
State-specific overview · Family Law
Connecticut courts apply a best-interests standard and may award joint or sole custody based on parental fitness and child's needs.
How Connecticut treats Child Custody
Connecticut law requires courts to consider the best interests of the child, including factors such as each parent's ability to provide care, the child's adjustment to home and school, and the quality of each parent's relationship with the child. The state does not presume joint custody but considers it as one option among several. Courts may award sole or joint legal and physical custody depending on the specific circumstances and what serves the child's welfare.
The general definition of Child Custody
A court's decision about which parent has the right to care for and make decisions for a child.
Child custody refers to the legal authority to care for a child and make important decisions about their upbringing, including where they live, their education, and their medical care. Courts can award sole custody to one parent or joint custody to both parents. The court's primary concern is always the best interests of the child, considering factors like each parent's relationship with the child, stability, and the child's own preferences if they're old enough. Custody is separate from visitation rights, which allow a non-custodial parent to spend time with the child.
Read the full Child Custody entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Connecticut.