Child Custody

Working out Child Custody Issues in Norwalk

The lawyers at Kimmel & Kimmel, LLC, are committed to helping parents establish child custody arrangements after a divorce, as well as helping single mothers and fathers establish custody and paternity of their children. Our Connecticut firm strives to protect the best interests of the children, as well as offer practical legal advice for parents involved in child custody negotiations.

What Does it Mean to Have Custody?

Child custody refers to two different types of rights:

• Physical custody: where the child lives
• Legal custody: who can make decisions for the child

Physical custody establishes the child's place of residence, while legal custody refers to who has the legal right to make decisions regarding the child's healthcare, schooling, and activities. Our attorneys can further explain all the different types of custody, as well as how parents are awarded sole custody or joint custody with the child's other parent.

Issues Related to Child Custody

Visitation Rights: Once custody has been established, the non-custodial parent may be granted visitation rights. Our attorneys, along with Connecticut courts, are concerned with establishing custody and visitation arrangements that are in the best interests of the child. Since in a divorce case it is usually in the child's best interest to have both parents involved, we strive to secure workable arrangements for both parents.

We can also help obtain or challenge requests for visitation in cases of unmarried parents that do not live together. Our attorneys can help establish paternity, which is often needed before granting custody, visitation rights or child support.

Child Support: After a divorce, or once paternity has been established, the non-custodial parent may be required to pay child support to the custodial parent to support the child. The amount of child support that will be ordered by the court depends on statutory guidelines in Connecticut. Our attorneys can explain the guidelines and help you understand them.

Contact the Norwalk Family Law Attorneys at Kimmel & Kimmel, LLC

We offer free initial consultations in all cases, as well as early morning and late evening appointments for your convenience. For experienced assistance in child custody or paternity matters, contact Kimmel & Kimmel, LLC. We can be reached by phone at 203-853-7997, or through the intake form on our Contact Us page.