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Last Modified on Jan 27, 2026
Fighting a custody battle can be an overwhelming, confusing legal nightmare, especially if you don’t have legal assistance by your side while you are fighting. It can be difficult to know where to start with a custody battle, but you should always prioritize the welfare of your child above all else. Don’t be petty and don’t weaponize them against your ex. You may wonder: What factors do judges evaluate when deciding child custody in Connecticut? They consider several.
The most important thing you can do during a custody battle is to contact a child custody lawyer in Stamford and secure representation. Having a child custody attorney in your corner can make a significant difference in your child custody case, especially if you encounter any setbacks you did not prepare for. Your lawyer should have considerable knowledge of Connecticut child custody laws as they apply to your case, as well as experience handling cases similar to yours. Our firm can help you.
Hire a Child Custody Lawyer
When your relationship with your child may be at stake, you should hire a child custody lawyer to navigate your case. You don’t want to take any unnecessary chances. It’s vital that you have experienced legal help during this ordeal. You’ll want peace of mind that your case is being handled by someone who knows how to help you through it. At Reich & Truax, PLLC, we have dedicated our practice to helping individuals dealing with family crises. We can help you, too.
It’s important to understand just how common child custody cases are not just in Connecticut, but throughout the country. Recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau show that, as of 2023, over 15 million children in this country live with their mother only, while over 3 million live with their father only.
The divorce rate in Connecticut as of 2025 was 2.6 per 1,000 people, which is fairly low, but that doesn’t mean divorce is rare. Child custody cases are common in divorce.
There’s nothing wrong with asking for help when you need it. Regardless of the outcome of your custody battle, you will want help deciding your next steps. Being a single parent can be overwhelming, so you may want to reach out to a local support group, such as the Connecticut Family Support Network (CTFSN) or Parents Supporting Parents. It can be good to surround yourself with other parents who are dealing with similar issues.
What Factors Do Judges Evaluate When Deciding Child Custody in Connecticut?
When determining child custody in Connecticut, the family court must consider numerous factors. All of them are important and cover different aspects of child custody and the relationship between the two parents. Ultimately, the judge’s primary concern is the child’s welfare. Whatever they decide will be based largely on that. Here are some of the main factors that judges will consider in a custody hearing in Connecticut:
- Physical and emotional safety: The court will want the child to be placed in a home full of love, acceptance, and stability. The court will look at both parents’ history in search of evidence of neglect, abuse, abandonment, or domestic violence. If nothing is found, it’s likely the court will push for joint custody so that both parents remain legally involved and share responsibility.
- Developmental needs: The court will evaluate the child’s age, personality, temperament, and any special needs to determine the right environment for their continued positive upbringing.
- Parental willingness to compromise: The court expects both parents to be willing to compromise for their child’s sake. This may include conceding some issues to your partner to maintain your child’s welfare. Above all, the court wants to see you take an interest in your child’s upbringing and to be involved.
- The child’s own preference: If your child is old enough to make an informed decision about who they would prefer to live with, the court will take their choice into consideration. There is no legal age at which their opinion is considered. Generally, the older the child is and the more mature they are, the more weight their choice will carry.
FAQs About Deciding Child Custody in Connecticut
What Is the Biggest Mistake You Can Make in a Custody Battle?
There are many mistakes you can make in a custody battle, but the biggest one is weaponizing your children. The court can always tell when you are using your children as pawns in an effort to hurt your former partner or get revenge on them. In those cases, the court will likely side with the other parent and view you as an unstable and angry person with a vendetta.
How Many Factors Does the Court Evaluate When Making a Custody Decision?
In Connecticut, the family court will evaluate many different factors when making a custody decision. Not every case will have every factor, and some cases will have glaringly obvious factors that need to be considered first. All of these factors are secondary to the child’s basic welfare, which always takes priority. Other factors include each parent’s mental capacity and financial position, the stability of each parent’s home, and the child’s own preference.
What Looks Bad in a Custody Battle?
Many different behaviors can make you look bad in a custody battle, so it’s important to recognize them so you don’t engage in those behaviors. Never badmouth the other parent, especially in front of your children. That can develop into parental alienation, which can hurt your custody arrangement. You want to be an active parent who shows an interest in your child’s life. If you’re not, the court will likely hold it against you.
What Shouldn’t You Say to a Custody Evaluator?
There are many things you shouldn’t say to a custody evaluator. Some are obvious, while others are not. Above all, don’t lie to them. Lying to a custody evaluator about anything can seriously hurt your case and turn the court against you. Don’t be disrespectful, don’t make threats, and don’t discuss your case on social media.
Reach Out Today
At Reich & Truax, PLLC, we can help you work through a custody battle. Contact us to speak to someone who can help with your case.
