Custody and Parenting Time
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-56 — the best interests of the child, and both parents actively involved
In custody and visitation orders, the court considers the rights and responsibilities of both parents and enters orders that serve the child's best interests and give the child the active and consistent involvement of both parents, as their abilities and interests allow.
Who handles this in Connecticut: Statewide Legal Services of Connecticut and CTLawHelp; and legal aid programs and the state offices, listed in the Connecticut directory.
- The orders may approve a parenting plan the parents agree to, or award joint parental responsibility with residential arrangements and a way to make major decisions about health, education and religious upbringing.
- Among the factors the court may weigh are the child's physical and emotional safety, the child's temperament and developmental needs, each parent's capacity to meet them, the child's informed preferences, the parents' wishes, and the child's relationships with each parent and siblings.
- So is each parent's willingness and ability to encourage the child's relationship with the other parent.
Sources for this section (1)
- Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-56 — (Formerly Sec. 46-42). Orders re custody, care, education, visitation and support of children. Best interests of the child. Access to records of minor child by noncustodial parent. Orders re therapy, counseling and drug or alcohol screening
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Connecticut attorney.