If you’re facing divorce, call 203-936-6772 at LAW OFFICES OF PIAZZA & SIMMONS, LLC to set up an initial consultation.

If you’re facing divorce, call 203-936-6772 at LAW OFFICES OF PIAZZA & SIMMONS, LLC to set up an initial consultation.

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Guiding People Through Divorce With Grace And Dignity For More Than 30 Years

Attorney Anthony A Piazza & Laura A Simmons

Guiding People Through Divorce With Grace And Dignity For More Than 30 Years

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Child Custody In Connecticut

Divorce is difficult for everyone, but your kids are often hit hardest. Child custody matters are often the most complicated and distressing element in any Connecticut divorce case. Even the word custody can strike fear in the hearts of divorcing couples. Once you understand the facts regarding custody and divorce, you’ll have a better handle on the topic and will be better prepared to face your child custody issues.

Legal Custody And Physical Custody

Legal custody refers to making important decisions that relate to your children’s health, education, and religion. Since most divorcing couples want what’s best for their children and Connecticut law has a presumption that joint custody is in the best interest of minor children, a substantial percentage of divorces end with parents sharing custody of children.

Physical custody, on the other hand, is a more complicated matter that involves who the children will reside with and when they will spend time with the other parent.

Sole Physical Custody

Sole physical custody means that the children reside primarily with one parent and have child visitation with the other parent. The typical schedule for such a custody arrangement is that the non-custodial parent has child visitation every other weekend and a day or two during the week throughout the school year (with extended visits during summer and holiday breaks). If one parent has drug, alcohol, abuse, or mental health issues, sole custody may be awarded to the other parent; the noncustodial parent, however, is almost invariably awarded some child visitation (though it may be supervised).

Shared Physical Custody

A shared physical custody arrangement in Connecticut means that the children spend roughly half the time with each parent. This time can be divided in any number of ways to accommodate careers, family obligations, familial preferences, and what’s best for the kids. There is no magic calculus for determining a shared physical custody schedule; instead, it’s best to focus on your family’s unique needs.

Once you understand the custody label, it doesn’t have to be scary. Custody is, however, probably the most important piece in your divorce puzzle. Do not leave it to chance; contact an experienced Connecticut family law attorney.

Contact A Connecticut Child Custody Lawyer For More Information Today

At LAW OFFICES OF PIAZZA & SIMMONS, LLC, in Stamford, Connecticut, we understand that child custody and child visitation are especially emotional issues. We put your rights first, and we endeavor to protect those rights while resolving your case as efficiently and advantageously as possible. Give our divorce attorneys a call today at 203-936-6772 – or contact us online – to learn more about how we can help you work past your custody concerns.