Divorce Tips for Dads in Connecticut

Westport Family Law Attorney

Divorce is an emotional and difficult time for the whole family. As a dad, your primary concern is likely for your children. Who will they live with? Who will they spend their holidays with? What if your ex-spouse wants to move out of state? The presence of children during a divorce can severely complicate matters and create emotional strain on relationships, particularly with young children who may be confused about what is going on with their parents. However, divorce is something thousands of men go through every year, and like everything else, filing for divorce when you have children can be manageable when handled appropriately.

What About My Children?

The best thing to do when dealing with child custody issues is to try to reach an amicable compromise with your ex-spouse. No one wants to consider the possibility of being away from their children for any amount of time, but divorce may require some sacrifices. Connecticut General Statutes Chapter 815j governs dissolution of marriage actions and related issues such as custody. Without exception, custody is determined by a best interest of the child analysis. This analysis considers many factors including but not limited to:

• Behavior and temperament of the child;
• The child’s developmental needs;
• The child’s pre-existing relationship with his or her parents;
• The wishes of the child as to custody;
• The financial stability of the parents;
• The safety of the child in the home;
• The placement of any siblings;
• Ability of parent to be involved with child’s life;
• Mental and physical health of the parents; and
• Stability of child’s existing home.

The court will consider any and all factors that contribute to the short-term and long-term well being of the child. The child’s desires are also taken into consideration in Connecticut—a factor that many states do not allow.

Importance of Routine

Remember that this is not just emotionally taxing on you, but this is a traumatizing time for children too. Maintaining a routine can be very beneficial in preserving your relationship with your children. If you always were the one to take your son to baseball, try to come to an arrangement where you can continue doing this. If your former spouse liked to take your daughter to soccer, see if you can make it work. The goal is to transition into separate living without disrupting your child’s routine, regardless of whether the custody arrangement is what you had hoped for. Sticking to a routine is one way to ensure the best interests of your child are always being carried out.

Connecticut Child Support

Parents have a joint obligation to provide for their children under Connecticut law, even after a divorce is finalized. Though women are increasingly becoming heads of the families with children, men are still the primary breadwinners of six of 10 households with children in America, placing much of the financial burden on dads after a divorce. One of the primary obligations a divorced father may have is by way of child support.

Child support is monetary payment to provide for the basic needs of a child after a divorce. Child support agreements can be reached amicably during a divorce settlement or may be court-ordered to ensure fairness and enforceability. According to the State of Connecticut Child Support Division, child support orders are calculated based on mandatory guidelines. These guidelines allow inquiry as to individual and combined income of the parents, division of custody, childcare costs, educational costs, medical insurance, and other necessary expenses. The amount calculated in a child support order can be changed and is scaled according to income, as each parent’s circumstances may change in the future.

Westport, Connecticut Family Law Attorney

With concerns about your child’s welfare and living situation at issue, divorce proceedings are very difficult for a father to get through. Trying to reach an amicable resolution with your spouse can save time, money, and the emotional strain of fighting in court. Richard H. Raphael, Attorney at Law understands how emotionally and financially taxing a divorce is and has the experience necessary to help you through your divorce proceedings from start to finish. Regardless of whether you are thinking of filing for divorce, are in the middle of settlement negotiations, or need someone to represent your interests in court, our Connecticut family law attorneys know how to approach these important issues and will ensure you receive the most favorable outcome possible.

As a dad, we are talking about your family and your children. The outcome of your divorce proceedings will have a lasting and possibly permanent effect on your relationship with your children. Making sure you do everything you can to preserve your relationship with your children; contact our Westport, Connecticut law office today at 203-226-6168 to learn more about your legal rights during a divorce.