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New London Family Lawyer
New London Family Law & Child Custody Attorneys
When your family is going through change, the decisions you make about your children and your future matter most. Suisman Shapiro’s New London family law attorneys handle child custody, child support, visitation and parenting plans, and post-judgment modifications throughout New London County and southeastern Connecticut. We help parents reach workable arrangements — and we protect your rights when agreement isn’t possible.
If you have questions about your legal options, contact our New London CT law offices to schedule a consultation with a family law attorney. Our family law attorneys represent residents from New London County, Windham County and Middlesex County including the communities of: New London, Norwich, Waterford, Groton, East Lyme, Stonington/North Stonington, Lyme/Old Lyme, Old Saybrook, Ledyard and Montville.
Child Custody
Connecticut recognizes both legal custody — the right to make major decisions about a child’s health, education, and welfare — and physical custody, which determines where the child primarily lives. Courts may award joint or sole custody, but every decision is guided by one standard: the best interests of the child. Judges weigh each parent’s relationship with the child, their stability, and their ability to cooperate. Learn more about understanding how custody works in Connecticut.
Sole Custody
Connecticut courts favor arrangements that keep both parents involved, so sole custody is the exception rather than the rule. A judge may award one parent sole legal or physical custody when the other parent is absent or unfit, or when ongoing conflict or safety concerns make shared decision-making impractical. Read more about when a Connecticut parent can obtain sole custody.
Child Support
Child support in Connecticut is set using statewide guidelines that consider both parents’ net income, the number of children, and costs such as health insurance and childcare. Support is not permanent — either parent can request a modification when there is a substantial change in circumstances, such as a job loss or a significant income change. Learn more about modifying a child support order in Connecticut.
Visitation & Parenting Plans
A parenting plan sets out where the children live, the visitation schedule, holidays, and how parents will share decisions and communicate. Connecticut courts encourage parents to build a workable plan that supports consistent time with both parents, because a clear, realistic schedule reduces conflict and gives children stability. See our tips for putting together a co-parenting plan.
Post-Judgment Modifications
Life changes after a custody or support order is entered — a parent relocates, incomes shift, or a child’s needs evolve. Connecticut allows custody, visitation, and support orders to be modified when there is a substantial change in circumstances or when a change serves the child’s best interests. We help parents petition for, or respond to, a modification. Learn more about when Connecticut parents can modify a custody order.
Paternity
Establishing paternity gives a child the legal benefits of a relationship with both parents, and it allows a father to seek custody or visitation and to share in support obligations. Paternity can be established voluntarily or through the court. Our attorneys help mothers and fathers establish paternity and protect their parental rights.
Many family law issues arise during a divorce. If you are ending a marriage, our New London divorce lawyers can guide you through property division, alimony, and the divorce process.
If the relationship involved domestic violence, you may need the protection of a restraining order during your legal separation or after your divorce. If you have been the subject of false allegations of assault, our lawyers will advise you on appropriate steps to take in your defense.
We help clients build families, drafting co-habitation and partnership agreements and offering other services for those involved in same-sex unions, and helping blended families with step-parent adoption.
As a large firm, we are able to offer clients services in a wide variety of legal practice areas. Often those involved in family law proceedings also need help with estate planning, real estate transactions, or the re-organization of a family business.
Frequently Asked Questions About Family Law
How is child custody decided in Connecticut?
Connecticut judges decide custody based on the best interests of the child. They consider each parent’s relationship with the child, the child’s needs, each parent’s ability to provide stability, and, when appropriate, the child’s own preferences. Custody can be joint or sole, and it covers both legal decision-making and physical living arrangements.
How is child support calculated in Connecticut?
Connecticut uses statewide child support guidelines based on the combined net income of both parents, the number of children, and expenses such as health insurance and childcare. The guidelines produce a presumptive support amount, though a court can deviate from that amount in certain circumstances.
Can a custody or child support order be changed?
Yes. Connecticut allows custody, visitation, and child support orders to be modified when there has been a substantial change in circumstances — such as a relocation, a job or income change, or a shift in the child’s needs — or when a modification is in the child’s best interests.
What is the difference between legal and physical custody?
Legal custody is the right to make major decisions about a child’s upbringing, including education, health care, and religion. Physical custody determines where the child primarily lives. Parents can share joint legal custody even when the child lives primarily with one parent.
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