- Make an appointment for a consultation with a family attorney before you do anything. Even if you do not end up hiring an attorney to handle your case, the attorney can offer you advice about the law as it applies to your case and court procedure. Many attorneys offer free 1/2 hour to one hour consultations so ask when you make the appointment.
- The Connecticut Court is going to look at what is in the "best interest of the child" before they make any decisions regarding custody. Take an honest look at what is in your child's best interest from the point of view of an objective person.
- Figure out what your ideal parenting plan would look like; that means what would you like to see in terms of parenting responsibilities, regular schedules, vacation time, and decision making.
- Do not EVER let your child know how much you dislike your child's other parent. You are the adult so act like one! If there is evidence that you disparage the other parent in front of your child, you will ruin your credibility in court and a judge may even give sole custody to the other parent.
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When you do finally go to Court, respect the judge, respect the court staff, and (as hard as it might be) respect your child's other parent. If a judge is speaking to you, do not interupt him or her. You will have time to say what you want.
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If a Guardian Ad Litem becomes involved in your custody dispute, cooperate with this person and make yourself accessible, return phone calls, be on time for appointments and court, and always be respectful. Remember, often judge's look to them for opinions about what is in your child's best interest.
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From the moment you contemplate commencing a custody action, gather evidence to use later on to support your case. Photographs of you and your child together, names and contact information of people who know you and your child, receipts from your outing at an amusement park, anything that will establish that you have an ongoing relationship with your child will be helpful.
Before You File For Custody...
If you are contemplating filing for custody of your children, take a deep breath and contemplate the following suggestions before you make the next move:
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