A divorce is often the most difficult event of a person’s life. It becomes much more difficult when there are minor children involved. If you are dealing with an impending divorce, you may be wondering which factors Connecticut courts take into account when deciding which spouse should have custody of the children.
The court has the final say
Sometimes, divorcing couples try to negotiate and work out a custody arrangement on their own. A court will certainly take the couple’s wishes into account. But the couple’s wishes are only one factor among several that the court uses to determine a custody award.
First and foremost, the court will always seek to uphold the best interests of the child. This means that the court will look at factors such as each spouse’s income, their living situation and how attached a child is to a certain school or neighborhood. Once all these factors are taken together, the court can determine which spouse would best be able to serve the child’s needs.
There is no longer a presumption in favor of the mother in Connecticut. Both parents stand an equal chance of the court deciding that they are the best choice for custody.
A child’s relationship with both parents matters
If you are trying to get custody of your kids, one of the worst things you can do is interfere with their relationship with your ex-spouse.
Unless there is evidence of abuse, courts generally presume that it’s in the child’s best interest to have a relationship with both parents. The court will take note of any attempt by one parent to limit the child’s contact with the other. Such behavior will hurt that parent’s chances of gaining custody.
The best interest of the child is the most important consideration for Connecticut divorce courts. Thus, your chances of gaining custody of your children will depend on the court’s determination of where they will be happiest, healthiest and adjusted.
