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Connecticut · CT

Connecticut Custody Laws: Parenting Time & Relocation

A plain-English reference to Connecticut custody terminology, joint custody, parenting time, relocation, child preferences, and order changes.

Informational only—not legal advice. Laws and guidelines change. Verify the current rule with the official court resource and a licensed Connecticut family-law attorney.

Primary law and terminology

Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-56. In Connecticut, courts generally describe the schedule as a parenting responsibility plan. The court's decision is based on the child's best interests, not simply a parent's preferred percentage of time.

Joint custody and parenting time

Joint legal custody is presumed when both parents agree to it.

Child preference

Considered based on the child's age and maturity.

Relocation and move-away cases

§ 46b-56d places the burden on the relocating parent to show the move is for a legitimate purpose and reasonable.

Changing an existing order

A parent must show a substantial and continuing change in circumstances since the last order, and that a change serves the child's best interests.

Where to file

Under the UCCJEA the child generally must have lived in the state for the 6 months before filing (or since birth, if younger). Both parents must complete a parenting education program before final orders.

Build a workable Connecticut parenting plan

Put regular time, holidays, exchanges, communication, and dispute steps in one written plan. Then keep the actual schedule and handoffs organized as circumstances change.

Connecticut custody questions

What are the custody laws in Connecticut?

Connecticut applies the statute or rule summarized above and decides parenting time by the child's best interests. Read the official court resource before filing.

Can a parent move with a child in Connecticut?

§ 46b-56d places the burden on the relocating parent to show the move is for a legitimate purpose and reasonable.

How do I change a Connecticut custody order?

A parent must show a substantial and continuing change in circumstances since the last order, and that a change serves the child's best interests.

More Connecticut family-law resources

Compare the rule with your written plan, schedule, and records before you file or negotiate.

Last reviewed ·Reviewed by the CustodyTrac editorial team

How this is calculated

Terminology, parent-education requirements, and filing venue are taken from each state's court self-help materials and statutes. Requirements change — confirm with the court where you file.

CustodyTrac publishes educational information, not legal advice. Custody and support outcomes depend on facts a calculator cannot see — confirm anything that matters with a family law attorney in your state.