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Child Custody Lawyers

The lawyers at Berchem Moses PC are committed to helping parents establish child custody arrangements whether they are single parents or they were married.

In these and all other types of family law matters, we strive to protect the best interests of the children, as well as offer practical legal advice for parents involved in child custody negotiations. By balancing all of these interests, we ensure that our clients are treated fairly, and that their children are given the best opportunity to grow and thrive in the wake of a custody or divorce matter.

What Is Custody, And What Does It Mean To Have Custody?

In Connecticut, child custody refers to two different types of rights:

  • Physical custody: Where the child lives. Physical custody establishes the child’s place of residence. A parent who is granted physical custody is often called a custodial parent, and the other parent is referred to as the noncustodial parent.
  • Legal custody: Who can make decisions for the child. Legal custody refers to who has the legal right to make decisions regarding the child’s health care, education, religion and activities.

These types of custody may be awarded to one parent (sole custody) or be shared between the parents (joint custody). Our attorneys can further explain all the different types of custody, as well as how parents are awarded sole custody or joint custody with the child’s other parent and what implications this has for the child’s upbringing.

Visitation

Once custody has been established, the noncustodial parent may be granted visitation rights. Our attorneys, along with Connecticut courts, are concerned with establishing custody and visitation arrangements that are in the best interests of the child. Since in a divorce case it is usually in the child’s best interest to have both parents involved, we strive to secure workable arrangements for both parents.

We can also help obtain or challenge requests for visitation in cases of unmarried parents who do not live together. Our attorneys can help establish paternity, which is often needed before granting custody, visitation rights or child support.

Modifications

If your situation or your children’s other parent’s situation changes after a custody arrangement has been reached, a child custody modification can be used to update the terms of the arrangement.

How Child Custody Affects Child Support

After a divorce, or once paternity has been established, the noncustodial parent may be required to pay child support to the custodial parent for the care and maintenance of the child. The amount of child support that will be ordered by the court depends on statutory guidelines in Connecticut. Our attorneys can explain the guidelines and help you understand them.

Contact Our Firm

To arrange a free initial consultation at our Milford and Westport offices, call 203-783-1200.