Homepage Official Connecticut Custody Application Template in PDF
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When navigating the complexities of child custody and visitation in Connecticut, understanding the Connecticut Custody Application form is essential. This form serves as a critical tool for parents seeking legal recognition of their rights regarding their children. It allows individuals to request either custody or visitation, depending on their specific circumstances. Applicants must check the appropriate box at the top of the form and complete the first two pages, ensuring that they attach necessary documents like the Order to Attend Hearing and the Affidavit Concerning Children. It’s important to establish a legal relationship with the child, which can be evidenced through various documents such as birth certificates or court orders. Additionally, if a grandparent or third party wishes to seek visitation, a different form is required. The application requires clear identification of all parties involved, including the child’s other parent and any additional respondents. Applicants must also articulate why Connecticut has jurisdiction over the case, citing factors such as residency or significant connections to the state. Furthermore, the form addresses financial support considerations, ensuring that any relevant assistance from the state is disclosed. By following the outlined instructions and providing the necessary information, parents can effectively present their case to the court, paving the way for a resolution that prioritizes the best interests of the child.

Connecticut Custody Application Example

CUSTODY/VISITATION

STATE OF CONNECTICUT

APPLICATION — PARENT

SUPERIOR COURT

JD-FM-161 Rev. 1-20

 

www.jud.ct.gov

C.G.S. §§ 46b-56, 46b-61;

 

 

P.B. §§ 25-3, 25-4, 25-5

 

 

Custody

Visitation

 

Instructions

Court use only

APPLCUS

APPLVIS

*APPLCUS*

*APPLVIS*

Use for custody

Use for visitation

applications

applications

 

 

1.Check the “Custody” or “Visitation” box above, and complete pages 1 and 2 of this form. Attach the Order to Attend Hearing (form JD-FM-162), Notice of Automatic Court Orders (form JD-FM-158), and Affidavit Concerning Children (form JD-FM-164).

2.By the first date that this case appears on a court docket (the first scheduled date for this case), you must file the accompanying document(s) listed in number 1 below that apply to you and that prove an existing legal relationship between the parent(s) and the child or children. You must redact (remove) any personal identifying information, as defined by Section 4-7 of the Connecticut Practice Book, from these documents.

3.If you are a grandparent or a third party (not a legal parent), and you want to file for visitation with the child or children, use the Verified Petition for Visitation — Grandparents & Third Parties (form JD-FM-221).

Judicial District of

 

At (Town)

 

Docket number

 

 

 

 

Applicant's name (Last, first, middle initial)

Respondent's name (Last, first, middle initial)

 

 

Other parent's name (If other parent is not the respondent)(Last, first, middle initial)

Other parent's address (If other parent is not the respondent)

 

 

 

 

Additional respondent's name

(If applicable) (Last, first, middle initial)

 

 

1. I am the child or children's

Mother

Father

By the first scheduled date for this case, I will file the applicable accompanying document(s) from this list that prove an existing legal relationship between the parent(s) and the child or children named in this application with any personal identifying information, as defined by Section 4-7 of the Connecticut Practice Book, redacted (removed):

A copy of a birth certificate naming me as one of the parents;

A copy of a properly executed (finalized) acknowledgement of paternity;

A court order or decree naming me as a legally responsible parent (including an adoptive parent);

A gestational agreement giving me parental rights (see Section 7-36 of the Connecticut General Statutes);

Document(s) showing that the child or children was/were born during my marriage; or

Any other evidence that I think is sufficient (enough) to convince the court that I am a legal parent of the child or children.

2. The respondent(s) is/are the:

Mother

Father

Grandparent

Other: (Specify)

3.I want: (Select one)

custody of the child (or children) listed below

 

visitation rights with the child (or children) listed below

(Attach additional sheets if necessary)

Child's name (First, middle, last)

Date of birth

Name(s) of parent(s) or guardian(s) (First, middle initial, last)

4. Connecticut has the authority to decide this case and should decide this case because: (Select all that apply)

a.

b.

c.

d.

e.

f.

Connecticut is the home state of the child (or children) at the time of the filing of this case.

The child (or children) has (or have) lived in Connecticut for the past 6 months, or from birth if the child (or children) is (or are) younger than 6 months old.

The child (or children) lived in Connecticut for at least 6 months but was (or were) taken from Connecticut less than 6 months ago by a person claiming custody, and a parent or guardian continues to live here.

The child (or children) and at least one parent have a significant connection to Connecticut, and there is substantial evidence in Connecticut concerning the child's (or children's) present or future care, protection, training, and personal relationships.

The child (or children) is (or are) in Connecticut now and has (or have) been abandoned, or there is an emergency affecting the child's (or children's) well-being.

No other state has an interest in hearing this case, and it is in the best interest of the child (or children) for a Connecticut court to hear the case.

Page 1 of 2

Additional Instructions:

If you are the mother or father and want custody, go to Number 5 below, and continue from there.

If you are the mother or father and want visitation, go to the Claim For Relief section below, and continue from there.

5.The applicant, respondent, or any child (or children) listed has (or have) received financial support and/or HUSKY from the State of Connecticut:

Financial Support: (Select one)

HUSKY Health Insurance: (Select one)

Yes

Yes

No

No

Do not know

Do not know

If you checked yes for Financial Support and/or HUSKY, send a copy of this Application, Order to Attend Hearing, Notice of Automatic Court Orders, and any other document filed with this application to the Office of the Attorney General, 165 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT 06106, and file the Certification of Notice (form JD-FM-175) with the court clerk.

6.The applicant, respondent, or any child (or children) listed has (or have) received financial support from a city or town in Connecticut: (Select one)

Yes (City or town):

No

Do not know

If you checked yes, send a copy of this Application, Order to Attend Hearing, Notice of Automatic Court Orders, and any other document filed with this application to the City or Town Clerk of the city or town providing assistance, and file the Certification of Notice (form JD-FM-175) with the court clerk.

Claim for Relief

For Custody: (The Applicant asks the Court for custody orders) (Select all that apply)

Regarding decision-making responsibility:

Sole legal custody

Joint legal custody

A parenting responsibility plan, which includes a plan for the parental decision-making regarding the minor child (or

children)

And

Regarding physical custody:

Primary residence with:

A parental physical access schedule and/or visitation

Regarding child support: (If custody application — includes cash medical, health insurance, unreimbursed medical expenses, and qualifying child care)

Child Support

An order for the educational support of my child (or children) for post-high school education or training under Section 46b-56c of the Connecticut General Statutes.

For Visitation: (The Applicant asks the Court for visitation orders as follows)

Signature of Applicant or Petitioner

Print name of person signing at left

Date signed

Address

Telephone (Area code first)

ADA NOTICE

The Judicial Branch of the State of Connecticut complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you need a reasonable accommodation in accordance with the ADA, contact a court clerk or an ADA contact person listed at www.jud.ct.gov/ADA.

JD-FM-161 Rev. 1-20

Page 2 of 2

Document Specifications

Fact Name Description
Form Purpose The Connecticut Custody Application form is used for filing custody or visitation applications in family court.
Governing Laws This form is governed by Connecticut General Statutes §§ 46b-56, 46b-61 and Practice Book §§ 25-3, 25-4, 25-5.
Required Attachments Applicants must attach several documents, including the Order to Attend Hearing and the Affidavit Concerning Children.
Filing Deadline All accompanying documents must be filed by the first scheduled court date for the case.
Eligibility for Visitation Grandparents and third parties can file for visitation using a separate form, the Verified Petition for Visitation.
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