Fairfield County Attorney for Parenting Plans and Custody

When parents divorce, determining who gets custody of the children is often the most difficult decision. It is possible, however, to reach an agreement amicably. One way to accomplish this is to write an effective parenting plan with the assistance of an experienced family law attorney.

At the law office of Richard H. Raphael in Westport, Connecticut, I help parents write parenting plans and create custody arrangements that work. I have more than 30 years of experience with family law, including custody and child support. My expertise in child custody means that I can help parents craft parenting plans to meet their families' unique needs.

The Importance of Parenting Plans

In Connecticut, two custody determinations must be made; legal custody and physical custody. Legal custody gives a parent the right to make health, education and welfare decisions about the child. Parents may be given sole or joint legal custody. Physical custody determines where the child will live. It may be granted as primary sole or shared custody.

Parenting plans are the most important parts of resolving custody issues. To help parents work together to write the plan, I ask them to consider the plan as a roadmap for their children's futures. The parenting plan covers every aspect of the custody arrangement, including:

• Legal and physical custody
• Parenting access schedule (visitation)
• Vacations and holidays
• Relocation
• Who pays for extracurricular activities and travel
• How will parents communicate (phone or Family Wizard)

By working together with the assistance of their lawyers, parents can create a parenting plan that works for their family. This type of cooperation is better for parents and children in the long term.

However, I understand that not all parents can reach agreements. In these cases, I will aggressively represent for your rights in family court in any custody or visitation dispute.

Please call my office at 203-226-6168 or contact me online to schedule an appointment with a Connecticut parenting plan attorney. Your initial consultation is free. Evening and weekend appointments may be available.