JOINT CUSTODY – PARENTING RESPONSIBILITY PLAN
“Joint Custody” means an order awarding legal custody of a minor child to both parents, providing for joint decision-making by the parents and shared physical custody so as to assure the child of continuing contact with both parents.
There is a presumption (affecting the burden of proof) that joint custody is in the best interests of a minor child where the parents have agreed to joint custody.
In any dispute between the parents with respect to the custody, care, education and upbringing of a minor child, the parents must file a proposed Parental Responsibility Plan. A Parenting Responsibility Plan must include, at a minimum, the following:
(1) A schedule of the physical residence of the child during the year
(2) Provisions allocating decision-making authority to one or both parents regarding the child’s health, education and religious upbringing
(3) How the parents will resolve future disputes, including, where appropriate, the involvement of a mental health professional or other parties to assist the parents to reach developmentally appropriate resolutions to such disputes
(4) Provisions to deal with the parents’ failure to honor their responsibilities under the plan
(5) How the parents will deal with the child’s changing needs as the child grows and matures
(6) How to minimize the child’s exposure to harmful parental conflict, encouraging the parents in appropriate circumstances to meet their responsibilities through agreements, and protecting the best interests of the child.
The objectives of a Parental Responsibility Plan are to provide for the child’s physical care and emotional stability, the child’s changing needs as he/she grows, and to set forth the authority and responsibility of each parent with respect to the child.
If both parents consent to a Parental Responsibility Plan, the plan will be approved by the court, unless the court finds that the plan is not in the best interests of the child.
The court may modify any orders in accordance with CGS §46b-56.
My expertise can help you achieve the best results for you and your family. For more information contact me at 203-544-9945 or beth@eedwardslaw.com.
