The Criteria for Gaining Sole Custody in Connecticut

At Broder Orland Murray & DeMattie LLC, our lawyers will represent you as a parent in every divorce matter from relatively collegial divorces to exceptionally contentious divorces. We pride ourselves on answering your questions and providing the kind of legal representation you need and deserve.

During the course of our practice, we are sometimes asked, “Can I get sole child custody?” The answer to this question obviously hinges on the specific facts of each case. We will listen to your concerns during a face-to-face consultation and investigate your circumstances. As in all family law matters, we will put our experience to work for you.

Under What Circumstances Is Sole Custody Possible?

Judges in Connecticut operate under the assumption that joint custody is in the child’s best interests. Therefore, parents seeking sole custody must have significant evidence that it is in their child’s best interests to have sole custody. Generally speaking, for courts to determine that sole custody is in the best interests of the children, the court must see significant evidence of abuse, neglect or evidence of the other parent’s unfitness.

Further, it is important to understand that sole custody can apply to both legal and physical custody. Legal custody refers to a parent’s ability to make decisions over the child’s upbringing while physical custody involves where the child actually lives at a given moment. Therefore, courts can award sole legal custody to one parent while still awarding parenting time to the other parent.

Providing You Straightforward Guidance And Advice

When you work with our attorneys, we will work closely with you in order to gain an understanding of your situation. We will then advise you as to the viability of seeking sole custody, based upon our many years of experience. If we do not believe sole custody is a reasonable option, we will explain the potential obstacles and help you achieve a favorable joint custody arrangement. If we have reason to believe that sole custody is in your child’s best interests, our lawyers will act decisively to help you achieve your objectives.

Contact Broder Orland Murray & DeMattie LLC Today

Based in Westport and Greenwich, our law firm serves parents across Connecticut. Call 203-222-4949 or complete our online contact form to schedule a consultation.