Hartford Child Custody Lawyer

Protecting What Matters Most to You: Your Children

Few family law issues are as emotionally charged as child custody. At the Law Firm of Kevin Emerson, we understand how deeply parents care about their children’s well-being, especially when marriages break down and divorce follows. These circumstances bring enormous uncertainty about a child’s living arrangements, co-parenting, or how decisions will be made about their future. 

Whether you are navigating custody during a divorce,  with post-divorce modifications or disputes, or are an unmarried father seeking custody after establishing paternity, Attorney Emerson can guide you with compassion, skill, and more than 30 years of experience.

Discuss your case with our Hartford child custody attorney at the Law Firm of Kevin Emerson by contacting us online or at (860) 750-9686. We offer in-person, phone, or virtual consultations. 

What Parents Need to Know About Custody in Connecticut

Like other states, Connecticut has two main types of custody: legal and physical. Legal custody refers to the right to make significant decisions about your child’s upbringing, such as education, health care, and religion. Physical custody refers to where the child lives and the parenting schedule.

In most cases, Connecticut courts prefer joint legal custody, meaning both parents share decision-making responsibilities. Physical custody can be shared or primarily awarded to one parent, depending on what the court determines to be in the child's best interests, which is the guiding principle in every custody case.

If you and the other parent can work together, a mutually agreed-upon Parenting Plan can be submitted to the court for approval. However, when disputes arise, the court may need to step in to decide. Experienced legal representation is critical in these cases to make your voice heard and protect your parental rights. 

Parenting Plans

In Connecticut, a Parenting Plan that outlines how parents will share responsibilities and care for their child is required in custody cases.

It typically includes:

A clear, detailed Parenting Plan helps minimize misunderstandings and conflict. It provides a predictable routine for the child and clear expectations for parents. When parents can work together to develop their plan, the court is more likely to approve it, assuming it meets the child's best interests.

If parents cannot agree, the court may order evaluations, appoint a guardian ad litem, or hold a hearing to determine an appropriate custody arrangement and Parenting Plan. 

Using Mediation to Reach Custody Solutions

Many parents benefit from resolving custody issues through mediation or other forms of alternative dispute resolution (ADR). These methods can help avoid the emotional and financial toll of a courtroom battle and encourage more cooperative co-parenting in the future. However, if mediation isn’t possible or your child’s safety or well-being is at risk, Attorney Emerson is prepared to represent you in court with strong and compassionate advocacy.

Guidance You Can Trust

With extensive family law experience, Attorney Emerson is a steady advocate for parents facing custody disputes in Hartford and West Hartford. Work with a professional who provides a calm demeanor, clear communication, workable alternatives for settlement, and a deep understanding of family dynamics and Connecticut law. 

Call (860) 750-9686 or reach us online to schedule a consultation with our Hartford child custody attorney.