Parents who do not have physical custody of their children generally have a right to frequent, meaningful visitation. However, a custodial parent can place many obstacles in the noncustodial parent’s path, first in custody litigation to persuade a judge not to allow visits and afterward by interfering with visitation to undermine the parent-child relationship. At Needle | Cuda, our Westport firm has helped parents throughout Fairfield County overcome impediments to visitation so they can maintain their loving relationship with their children. We have also assisted grandparents and other third parties seeking to defend their relationship with a cherished child. If you need to assert your right to visitation, we can provide the knowledgeable and determined representation you need.
Under Connecticut law, parents who do not have custody of their children can petition the court for an order of visitation. Visitation is often an issue during divorce proceedings but the issue can also arise after a man has established paternity for the child of a woman he was never married to. In a visitation case, the court can issue three types of decisions:
As your visitation rights attorneys, we present the court with factual evidence of your fitness as a parent and the positive nature of your relationship with your child. We also rebut any allegations that might give the court second thoughts about awarding you unlimited visitation.
Under Connecticut law, the custodial parent has a duty to make the child available for visits with the noncustodial parent. Unfortunately, too many custodial parents attempt to undermine their child’s relationship with the other parent. We have seen various tactics, which include:
When a custodial parent behaves in this manner, the noncustodial parent often attempts to use the only leverage available: withholding child support payments. However, these tactics generally backfire, because they put the noncustodial parent on the wrong side of the law. A more positive approach is to petition the court for enforcement of the visitation order. We can guide you through the process smoothly and effectively.
Connecticut law recognizes that persons other than parents may have a substantial relationship with a child that warrants preservation. So, under limited circumstances, grandparents and other third parties, such as siblings, have a right to court-ordered visitation with a child. However, in a dispute with a fit parent, a third party does not start on an equal footing. Because courts defer to a parent’s prerogative, you must have experienced and determined legal representation. If you are looking for a capable advocate to assert your visitation rights, you can trust Needle | Cuda.
If you are engaged in a dispute over your visitation rights in Fairfield County, Needle | Cuda is ready to help. We provide highly responsive service and effective representation focused on positive results. To reserve a consultation, call us today at 203-557-9500 or contact our Westport office online.