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, dealing 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 as a child custody attorney in Hartford.

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 many states, Connecticut has two main types of custody: legal and physical. Legal custody gives a parent the right to make significant decisions about a child’s upbringing, such as education, health care, and religion. Physical custody refers to where the child lives and the parenting schedule decided by the court.

Connecticut courts generally prefer joint legal custody, which means both parents share decision-making responsibilities. Physical custody may be shared or primarily awarded to one parent, depending on what the court finds to be in the child’s best interests. This principle guides every custody case in Connecticut.

If you and the other parent can cooperate, you may submit a mutually agreed-upon parenting plan to the court for approval. When disputes arise, the court steps in to decide. In such cases, working with a child custody lawyer in Hartford helps ensure your voice is heard and your rights as a parent are protected. 

How Do Connecticut Laws Dictate Child Custody? 

Connecticut custody law bases decisions on the “best interests of the child” standard, outlined in Connecticut General Statutes § 46b-56. Hartford Family Court judges weigh factors such as each parent’s ability to support the child’s relationship with the other parent, the stability of each home environment, and each parent’s willingness to co-parent. If either parent requests modifications, the court reviews these factors, focusing on how changes will impact the child’s well-being.

Parenting Plans

In Connecticut, a parenting plan explains how parents will share responsibilities and care for their child in custody cases.

It typically includes:

A detailed parenting plan helps minimize misunderstandings and conflict. It gives the child a predictable routine and parents clear expectations. When parents work together to build a plan that meets the child’s needs, the court is more likely to approve it.

If parents cannot agree, the court may order evaluations, appoint a guardian ad litem, or hold a hearing to decide on an appropriate custody arrangement and parenting plan. 

Using Mediation to Reach Custody Solutions

Many parents reach child custody solutions through mediation or other forms of alternative dispute resolution (ADR). Mediation often allows parents to resolve disagreements and avoid the emotional and financial toll of court. It also encourages better co-parenting moving forward. If mediation is not possible or your child’s safety would be at risk, Attorney Emerson is ready to advocate for you during court proceedings.

Mediation in Hartford frequently takes place at the Regional Family Mediation Center, where parents work out their differences with guidance from trained professionals. Mediation reduces stress and costs while helping parents focus on long-term solutions. Even if you do not reach a full agreement, mediation can streamline the remaining court process and set a respectful foundation for co-parenting. You always retain the option to present your case in court if you do not reach a resolution through mediation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Difference Between Legal & Physical Custody?

Legal custody grants a parent the authority to make significant decisions about the child’s upbringing, including education, health care, and religion. Physical custody involves where the child lives and details the child’s schedule with each parent.

How Does the Court Decide Who Gets Custody?

Hartford Family Court judges make custody decisions by evaluating the best interests of the child. They review factors such as each parent’s capacity to care for the child, the child’s relationship with each parent, and the stability of potential home environments.

Can a Parenting Plan Be Changed After It Is Approved?

Yes. If a family’s circumstances change in a significant way, either parent can ask the court to modify the parenting plan. The court will consider if the proposed change meets the child’s ongoing best interests.

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. Clients value his calm demeanor, clear and direct communication, and constructive settlement options rooted in a deep understanding of Connecticut child custody laws.

Over more than 30 years, Attorney Emerson has cultivated strong ties with Hartford courts, courthouse staff, and family law practitioners. Families benefit from guidance built on local relationships and knowledge of the courts and their expectations. Clients appreciate plain-language explanations and practical legal advice that help them make confident, informed decisions, even during challenging times.

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