Dear Attorneys,
I’m getting divorced and we have two young children. I’ve heard that in Connecticut, courts tend to favor the mother when deciding custody. Is that true?
Sincerely,
Concerned Connor
Dear Connor,
That’s one of the most common questions we hear—and it’s rooted in an old stereotype. Decades ago, it was more common for courts to assume that mothers were the “natural” primary caregivers, but that is not how Connecticut family courts operate today.
In Connecticut, the law is gender-neutral when it comes to custody and parenting time. Judges make decisions based on the best interests of the child(ren), not the gender of the parent. They consider factors like:
- Each parent’s ability to meet the child’s needs
- The stability of each home environment
- The child’s relationship with each parent
- Any history of abuse or neglect
- Each parent’s willingness to foster the child’s relationship with the other parent
Both mothers and fathers can—and do—obtain primary custody, shared parenting arrangements, or other custodial setups, depending on what best supports the child’s well-being. In fact, many cases result in some form of shared parenting, because courts often find that maintaining strong relationships with both parents benefits children.
So, while the myth that “mothers always get custody” still circulates, it doesn’t reflect Connecticut’s actual legal standards. If you’re going through a divorce, the best thing you can do is show the court that you’re committed to meeting your child’s needs, maintaining stability, and encouraging a positive co-parenting relationship.
At Wolf & Shore Law Group, we offer confidential consultations and help clients just like you navigate this process every day. Ever argue with a woman? Let Wolf & Shore Law Group go to work for you. Call us at 203.745.3151 or email us at info@wolfandshorelaw.com.
Very Truly Yours,
Wolf & Shore Law Group
*The situations represented in our Dear Attorneys column are entirely fictional and any resemblance to a specific case is unintentional. We cannot, and will not, offer legal advice to anyone who is not a client. However, if you do have questions or concerns, you should contact an attorney at your convenience.
