When the possibility of divorce is in the air, your first question may be: “What about my children?”

Divorce affects children differently, depending on their ages, their level of understanding, and the ways in which their parents approach the conflicts that inevitably arise during the divorce process. While you can do much to alleviate their fears and reassure them that they are safe and loved, you will also need to spend time thinking through the practicalities of where the children will live, when they will see each parent, and how each parent will contribute to their needs.

In Connecticut, decisions about child custody, support, and parenting plans are based on “the best interests of the child,” a calculation that weighs factors like the children’s ages and needs, their relationships with each parent, and the need to maintain safety and stability in their lives.

Custody and Parenting Plans

One of the biggest myths about child custody is that custody will “automatically” be granted to the mother, or to the parent who requests it, or to the parent who manages to “tear down” the other parent more completely.

In fact, custody decisions are never “automatic.” Instead, a multitude of factors related to the children’s best interests are weighed. This means that during negotiations, it’s in each parent’s best interests to put the children’s best interests first.

When you work with the team at Klein & Babbitt, we’ll help you determine which custody or parenting arrangements will best help your kids maintain stability and safety. We’ll also help you fight for an arrangement that works best for your children and your future plans, so that you can start your life after divorce on the strongest possible footing. And if you need help enforcing or modifying a custody arrangement or your parenting plan after the divorce is final, we’re here to assist you as well.