Child Custody Attorneys

If you are like most parents, you place the highest priority on your children and their well-being. At The Law Offices of Conti, Levy, Salerno & Goodrich, LLC, we share your concerns. We work hard to obtain child custody and parenting time arrangements that enable our clients to enjoy deep and meaningful relationships with their children. While we see many benefits in using negotiation, mediation or collaborative law to achieve our clients’ goals, we do not hesitate to vigorously represent our clients in litigation when it is necessary.

If you have a child custody or visitation issue in Connecticut, contact us today at 860-866-4637 or by email.

Parental Rights And Visitation

Our law firm represents people in matters involving:

• Child custody
• Visitation rights and parenting time
• Proposed child relocations
• Modifications in custody and visitation arrangements
• Grandparents’ rights
• Paternity as it relates to custody and visitation
• DCF defense actions
• Other issues affecting custody and visitation rights

Put Our Experience To Work For You

Family law attorney Steven H. Levy has been representing parents in Litchfield County and surrounding areas of Connecticut for more than 35 years. Before becoming an attorney, Mr. Levy worked as a social worker. This background enables him to understand the stress and concern that parents experience during the divorce process and in subsequent years.

When representing you, Steven H. Levy will take time to learn about your situation, your children and your goals. Then, he will develop a legal strategy designed to achieve your goals as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Child Custody And Visitation Modifications

As time passes, your needs and those of your children can change. Steven H. Levy can represent you in court seeking a modification in custody and visitation arrangements. Alternatively, you may wish to consider using mediation or collaborative law to achieve cost-effective results without the rancor of litigation. As your lawyer, Steven H. Levy will work diligently to protect your rights and achieve your goals.

Understanding Connecticut Custody Laws

Navigating child custody can feel overwhelming, but understanding the basic frameworks under Connecticut General Statutes is the first step. The state distinguishes between two primary forms of custody:

• Legal custody: This refers to the legal right and responsibility to make major, long-term decisions regarding your child’s education, healthcare, and religious upbringing.
• Physical custody: This dictates the child’s actual living arrangements and which parent handles their day-to-day care.

In Northwest CT, courts heavily favor joint legal custody, expecting both parents to collaborate on major life choices. However, if co-parenting communication has completely broken down, a judge may award sole legal custody to one parent.

How Connecticut Courts Determine “The Best Interests of the Child”

When custody disputes escalate, judges in the Litchfield Judicial District do not choose favorites or rely on arbitrary preferences. They make decisions that are in the best interests of the child.

Under Connecticut law, a judge will evaluate the full picture of the family dynamic, beginning with the child’s unique developmental needs, temperament and ability to adapt to change. The court closely examines each parent’s emotional stability, mental health and active capacity to provide a safe environment.

Furthermore, significant weight is placed on the family’s history, meaning a judge will carefully scrutinize any past domestic issues, substance abuse or active involvement with the Department of Children and Families (DCF). Ultimately, the court favors the parent who demonstrates a genuine willingness to encourage a healthy, ongoing relationship between the child and the other parent.

How Our Legal Team Helps With Complex Custody Scenarios In Torrington

Family dynamics after a divorce can quickly become complicated. Our Torrington-based legal team provides strategic advocacy for complex situations, including:

• Parental relocation: Helping families through the strict legal hurdles required when a parent wants to move a child out of the Torrington area or across state lines.
• Grandparents’ rights and third-party visitation: Assisting extended family members in securing visitation rights to maintain vital connections with the child.
• Modifying existing custody orders: Helping you petition the court when a substantial change in circumstances requires an update to current arrangements.
• Intersections with DCF cases: Because our firm handles DCF defense, we are uniquely equipped to protect your parental rights if a custody battle triggers a parallel neglect or abuse investigation.

Whatever your family is facing, we ensure your child’s well-being and your parental rights remain fully protected.

Free Consultation With Our Law Firm

To schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced Torrington child custody attorney, call The Law Offices of Conti, Levy, Salerno & Goodrich, LLC, at 860-866-4637 or contact us online.