New Haven Child Custody Attorney

Child Custody Lawyer Serving the families of New Haven county, CT

Many of us know parents who have lost custody of their children: sometimes a parent will agree to an overly restrictive parenting plan, other times a Court will issue orders after a hearing or trial. Needless to say, this is a parent’s worst nightmare.

Regardless of how much both parents love their children, custody matters involve determining what is in the minor children’s best interests. Absent an agreement, this determination requires the Court to make findings and issue orders as to legal custody (decision making over medical, educational, and religious needs), physical custody (where the children will lay their head each night), and visitation or parenting time according to a weekly or monthly plan, designating holidays, special occasions, vacation time, and even communication parameters for when the minor children are with the other parent. In the worst case, parenting time may be limited to supervised visits only, or suspended for a time if egregious conduct has occurred.

Contact us online or give us a call to set up a free consultation with one of our New Haven child custody attorneys today.

Understanding the Different Types of Child Custody

When it comes to child custody, it's important to understand the different types of custody arrangements that may be considered during a divorce or separation. Our experienced New Haven child custody attorneys can provide guidance and representation for various types of custody, including:

• Physical custody - determining where the child will live
• Legal custody - making important decisions for the child's upbringing
• Joint custody - shared responsibilities between both parents
• Sole custody - one parent has primary custody and decision-making authority

Each type of custody has its own implications and considerations, and our New Haven child custody lawyers can help you navigate the complexities of determining the best arrangement for your family's unique situation.

Complications of child custody

If you and your spouse are in agreement about how your children should be raised post-divorce, you are in a great position and serve as an example to other families on proper co-parenting skills. Unfortunately many divorcing couples with children have conflicts over matters such as: 

• education
• religious training
• medical services
• extracurricular activities
• childcare
• parenting access

Indeed the fault for the breakdown of the marriage for some couples may be in part due to vastly differing parenting styles and differing opinions as to what is in the best interests of their children. In the worst cases, there may be substance abuse issues and physical/verbal/emotional abuse leading to the inability to trust that the other parent can properly care for the minor children.

Importance of Child Custody Agreement in Connecticut

Once custody arrangements are agreed upon many of the details may not be modifiable later (absent a substantial change or extraordinary circumstances that arise in the future), so it is vitally important to resolve all matters regarding custody, visitation, and care of the minor children in a way that is acceptable to you, regardless of whether you are the custodial parent or not.

How Our Experienced New Haven Child Custody Lawyers Can Help

Things that look good on paper sometimes are not practical when applied to real life. An experienced legal advisor can warn you about elements of a settlement proposal that may work to your detriment. If the health, safety, and well being of your children is a priority for you, you should retain a competent attorney to look after your and their best interests. 

Among Connecticut lawyers, Shelton-based “Super Lawyer” Carmina (Tessitore) Hirsch is widely recognized and respected among her peers for her work in family and divorce law matters. She is a published author on the fine points of divorce and family law. Her demeanor in the courtroom is highly persuasive; her mastery of the discovery process and settlement phase often means that contentious issues are settled long before they reach the trial phase. So when dealing with your child custody case, you can trust the lawyers at Hirsch Legal, LLC. 

To speak with one of our experienced New Haven child custody lawyers, contact us online or give us a call today!