Few disputes can be as acrimonious and challenging as those involving child custody. Parents are fiercely protective of their children and often have strong opinions about the way they should be raised and the influences to which they should be exposed. As a result, obtaining a favorable outcome to a custody dispute is often one of the most important issues to parents who are going through a divorce.
If you find yourself in this situation, you may be tempted to try and “work it out” with your child’s other parent or have hopes that the judge will see that your position is clearly superior to that of your soon-to-be-ex. This is almost always a mistake, and failing to retain legal counsel can have disastrous consequences for the outcome of your case.
Connecticut Judges Have Significant Discretion When Making Decisions about Child Custody
As a person involved in a child custody dispute, it is important to understand that Connecticut law gives judges wide latitude when it comes to making decisions about child custody, and requires them to consider the child’s best interests. In making that determination, the court may consider 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 child
- Any relevant and material information obtained from the child, including the informed preferences of the child
- The wishes of the child’s parents as to custody
The past and current interaction and relationship of the child with each parent, the child’s siblings and any other person who may significantly affect the best interests of the child
Importantly, these are just a few of the factors that outlined in the Connecticut custody statute, and the law makes clear that judges are not limited to the factors enumerated in the law. As a result, they may consider any factor that they deem relevant.
Because of the discretion that judges have when making child custody determinations, it is important for parents who are involved in child custody disputes to retain an attorney familiar with the way that Connecticut family courts operate and make decisions. A lawyer will thoroughly investigate your case and present your position to the court in the strongest light possible, maximizing your chances of obtaining a favorable result.
Contact a Stamford, CT Child Custody Lawyer Today to Discuss Your Case
If you are involved in a divorce in which child custody is in dispute or believe that you may be soon, you should speak to a lawyer as soon as possible. To schedule a consultation with one of our Stamford child custody attorneys, call Piazza, Simmons & Grant, LLC today at 203-348-2465 or send us an email through our online contact form.