Child Custody

Bridgeport Child Custody Lawyers

Although a divorce often causes feelings of anger or frustration, it is important to consider the impact on your children. At Gans & Reynolds, we offer more than 25 years of experience in helping families through the emotional and physical transitions of separation. We work with clients to achieve an amicable resolution in child custody and parenting time matters.

Contact our Connecticut child custody attorneys for a free consultation.

Connecticut Child Custody Laws

Child custody is determined based upon the best interests of the child. Most family courts in Connecticut presume that it is in the child's best interest to have parental guidance and support from both parents. Therefore, joint custody is commonly awarded in child custody disputes. However, joint custody is more complicated than many parents believe.

• Joint physical custody: Physical custody pertains to the actual residence of the child. While one parent will typically have primary physical custody, the child may still reside much of the time with the other parent, such as on weekends, holidays, and other times designated in a custody agreement.
• Joint legal custody: Decision making powers are essential to the welfare of a child and the involvement of the parents. Joint legal custody enables both parents to be involved in making major decisions, such as those involving healthcare, education, religion, and other life decisions. Daily decisions are typically made by the parent with primary physical custody.
• Sole custody: While sole custody is not common in Connecticut, it is occasionally in the child's best interest. If there is a history of abuse, neglect, drug abuse, alcohol dependence, or other serious problems, it may be necessary to fight for sole physical and legal custody.

As child custody attorneys, at Gans & Reynolds help our clients understand the applicable laws. We are supportive of their needs and concerns while working to negotiate an effective child custody agreement which is in the child's best interest as well as our client's. In addition, we handle issues such as:

• Child support
• Parenting time/visitation
• Modification of child custody

When a Child Custody Agreement Cannot be Reached

Because our attorneys have experience as a guardian ad litem, we understand the many considerations involved in determining unresolved child custody disputes, such as family evaluations, appointment of a guardian ad litem, court appointed psychological evaluations, and other assessments through the Family Relations Department. We stress the importance of maintaining ties with school teachers and other individuals which may be utilized in assessing your situation and the best interest of your child.

Resolving Child Custody Disputes with Minimal Impact and Turmoil

We provide strong advocacy to clients with child custody matters and other family law concerns, seeking a resolution that will work for you. To schedule a free consultation with an experienced child custody lawyer, contact our family law firm today.