Connecticut joint custody is sometimes misunderstood. It is often used too loosely or incorrectly. There are two aspects to child custody in Connecticut. So when creating a Parenting Plan start with these questions: Where will the child live? This is called residential or physical custody. Generally, there are three variations: 1. The most common arrangement […]
Parenting Plans in Connecticut can vary greatly. Some are quite detailed – others just cover the basics. Many people think that a Parenting Plan is really just limited to a custody or visitation arrangement but it is much more than that. So, what are the essential elements of Parenting Plan? At a minimum, every Parenting […]
In making orders concerning custody and visitation, a judge must consider the best interests of the child. But what does “best interests” mean? Connecticut General Statutes sets forth the following factors: The temperament and developmental needs of the child; The capacity and the disposition of the parents to understand and meet the needs of the […]
I get this questions often: Can DCF speak with my child? It is clear that DCF is allowed to interview a child during an Investigation with the parent or guardian’s consent. And sometimes permitting a child to speak with a Social Worker makes sense. The real question is whether a Social Worker is allowed to […]
I imagine that there is nothing more unsettling than being investigated for child abuse. This is especially true if the Social Worker presumes a parent is guilty from the beginning. As a result, the whole Investigation is compromised and tainted as DCF searches for any evidence to support the abuse allgeations while dismissing or disregarding […]
When DCF files a Neglect Petition in Connecticut Juvenile Court they can also request an Order of Temporary Custody (OTC). They will usually do this after they have executed a 96 hour hold because they believe that the child is in serious danger and therefore the child should be immediately removed from their parents or […]