If you are like other Connecticut families going through a divorce, the fate of your family rests heavy on your mind. Deciding how your child custody agreement will look is more than likely preoccupying the majority of your time. Whether you work out an agreement with your spouse or need the court to make the decisions on behalf of your family, it helps to understand what you face.
First, in the absence of extreme circumstances such as abuse or other unfitness, the Connecticut courts award joint legal custody. The state also presumes that having both parents in the children’s lives serves their best interests. You may also be required to attend parenting classes to help with co-parenting post-divorce. You and the other parent may be encouraged to develop a parenting plan that gives each of you quality time with the children.
Such an agreement can include more than just visitation, but also vacations, holidays and other major events in the children’s lives, along with who bears the costs. The issue of child support also requires attention. In many cases, this could include the costs of associated with extracurricular activities and possibly even college.
If you and the other parent are unable to come to a child custody agreement, the court may appoint a guardian ad litem to ensure that the best interests of your children are represented. In the end, everyone’s goal is to make sure that the children have what they need to move forward with some sense of security. The children need to know that both of their parents love them and want to continue to be part of their lives.