Child Custody and Visitation

Child Custody and Visitation Lawyer

Law Offices of Jill H. O’Connor, P.C. in Ridgefield, Connecticut

When determining a child custody and visitation arrangement during a divorce, it is always necessary to evaluate the individual needs of the child or children involved. Every case is different, and each child has unique needs. At the Law Office of Jill H. O'Connor, P.C., we listen carefully to our clients, ask them questions, and work closely with them to develop a parenting plan that is truly in their children's best interests.

Providing Professional and Reputable Legal Services for Over 20 Years

There are many options available for both legal and physical custody arrangements. Contact us today to discover these options and to speak with an attorney who will help you determine the right choice for your children and your family.

Jill O'Connor has more than 20 years of experience representing fathers and mothers in contested child custody cases. In her experience, absent serious health or safety concerns or an inability of a parent to take care of a child, she has discovered that the best arrangement for children is typically one that allows sufficient access to both parents.

Legal Custody ● Physical Custody

The parties must decide both legal and physical custody. Legal custody refers to the parents' right to make important decisions regarding their children's life and care, including education and medical decisions. Parents can have joint legal custody or one parent may have sole legal custody. Physical custody determines who will be the primary custodial parent. Physical custody can be shared, or one parent may be designated as the primary custodian while the other has a parenting access plan.

When parents are able to work out a custody or parenting arrangement amicably through mediation, negotiations, or the collaborative law process, rather than in court, they then have the ability to make personalized decisions that are appropriate for their children.

However, amicable resolutions are not possible in all families. If you need a child custody lawyer to represent you in court, Jill O'Connor has the skill and experience in family litigation, as well as a commitment to advocating for the best interests of her clients and their children.

If you are concerned about your child's safety with the other parent, we will do our best to ensure that your child is safe, even if it means seeking supervised visits or no contact.

In addition to resolving child custody and visitation issues, we also educate clients on the Connecticut child support guidelines and help them develop solutions that meet their children's needs.

Contact the Law Office of Jill H. O'Connor, P.C., today for a confident, trustworthy, and reputable child custody and divorce lawyer.

For more information about family law issues, please view our Family Law Information Center.