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The Connecticut Custody Application form is a crucial document for parents seeking legal custody or visitation rights regarding their children. It is designed to facilitate the process of applying for custody or visitation through the Superior Court. Applicants must indicate whether they are seeking custody or visitation by checking the appropriate box at the top of the form. The form requires detailed information about the applicant, respondent, and the child or children involved. Essential accompanying documents, such as the Order to Attend Hearing and the Affidavit Concerning Children, must be submitted alongside the application. Applicants must also provide proof of their legal relationship to the child, which may include birth certificates or court orders. Additionally, the form includes sections where applicants can specify their requests regarding custody arrangements and decision-making responsibilities. It is important to note that the applicant must ensure all personal identifying information is redacted from submitted documents. Furthermore, if a grandparent or third party seeks visitation rights, a separate petition form must be used. Understanding the requirements and structure of this form is vital for navigating the custody process in Connecticut.
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File Information
| Fact Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Form Title | The form is officially titled "Custody/Visitation State of Connecticut Application — Parent". |
| Form Number | The form is designated as JD-FM-161 and was revised in January 2020. |
| Governing Laws | This form is governed by Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S.) §§ 46b-56, 46b-61 and Practice Book (P.B.) §§ 25-3, 25-4, 25-5. |
| Purpose | It is used to apply for custody or visitation rights concerning children. |
| Required Attachments | Applicants must attach forms JD-FM-162, JD-FM-158, and JD-FM-164 to the application. |
| Filing Deadline | All necessary documents must be filed by the first scheduled court date. |
| Eligibility for Visitation | Grandparents and third parties must use a separate form (JD-FM-221) to file for visitation rights. |
Connecticut Custody Application Sample
CUSTODY/VISITATION |
STATE OF CONNECTICUT |
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APPLICATION — PARENT |
SUPERIOR COURT |
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www.jud.ct.gov |
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C.G.S. §§ |
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P.B. §§ |
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Custody |
Visitation |
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Instructions
Court use only
APPLCUS |
APPLVIS |
*APPLCUS* |
*APPLVIS* |
Use for custody |
Use for visitation |
applications |
applications |
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1.Check the “Custody” or “Visitation” box above, and complete pages 1 and 2 of this form. Attach the Order to Attend Hearing (form
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
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
Judicial District of |
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At (Town) |
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Docket number |
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Applicant's name (Last, first, middle initial) |
Respondent's name (Last, first, middle initial) |
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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) |
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Additional respondent's name |
(If applicable) (Last, first, middle initial) |
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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
•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
•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 |
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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)
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
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
Claim for Relief
For Custody: (The Applicant asks the Court for custody orders) (Select all that apply)
Regarding
Sole legal custody
Joint legal custody
A parenting responsibility plan, which includes a plan for the parental
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
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.
Page 2 of 2
Common mistakes
Filling out the Connecticut Custody Application form can be a daunting task, and many individuals make mistakes that can impact their case. One common error is failing to check the appropriate box for custody or visitation at the beginning of the form. This seemingly simple oversight can lead to confusion and delays in processing the application. It is crucial to clearly indicate whether you are seeking custody or visitation rights, as this sets the tone for the entire application.
Another frequent mistake is neglecting to include all necessary accompanying documents. The form requires specific documentation, such as the Order to Attend Hearing and the Affidavit Concerning Children. Applicants often forget to attach these forms, which can result in a rejection of the application or a postponement of the hearing. Ensuring that all required documents are included is essential for a smooth process.
Redacting personal identifying information is another area where applicants commonly falter. The instructions specify that any personal information must be removed from the documents submitted. Failing to do so can lead to privacy concerns and may even affect the outcome of the case. It is vital to understand what constitutes personal identifying information and to take the necessary steps to protect it before submitting the application.
Lastly, applicants sometimes overlook the importance of clearly stating their relationship to the child or children involved. The application requires that you specify whether you are the mother, father, grandparent, or another party. Inaccuracies in this section can create complications and misunderstandings during the proceedings. Providing clear and accurate information helps the court understand the context of the case and ensures that the best interests of the child are prioritized.
Key takeaways
When filling out and using the Connecticut Custody Application form, several key points should be considered:
- Select the correct option: Indicate whether you are applying for custody or visitation by checking the appropriate box at the top of the form.
- Complete necessary attachments: Along with the application, attach the required forms, including the Order to Attend Hearing, Notice of Automatic Court Orders, and Affidavit Concerning Children.
- File supporting documents: By the first court date, submit documents proving your legal relationship to the child, ensuring that personal identifying information is redacted.
- Use appropriate forms for third parties: If you are a grandparent or third party seeking visitation, utilize the Verified Petition for Visitation form.
- Establish jurisdiction: Clearly state why Connecticut has the authority to decide your case, selecting from the provided options that apply to your situation.
- Notify relevant parties: If applicable, send copies of the application and other documents to the Office of the Attorney General or the City or Town Clerk if financial support has been received.
Similar forms
The Connecticut Custody Application form is similar to the Verified Petition for Visitation — Grandparents & Third Parties (form JD-FM-221). Both documents allow individuals who are not legal parents, such as grandparents or other relatives, to seek visitation rights with a child. They require the applicant to demonstrate a significant relationship with the child and provide supporting evidence. The process for filing these forms involves similar instructions regarding the documentation needed to establish the legal relationship and the necessity for redacting personal information.
The Motion for Modification of Custody (form JD-FM-164) shares similarities with the Custody Application form. Both forms are used in custody-related matters, but the Motion for Modification is specifically for changing existing custody arrangements. Applicants must provide reasons for the modification, such as changes in circumstances since the original custody order. Like the Custody Application, it requires documentation that supports the request and evidence of the child's best interests.
The New York Mobile Home Bill of Sale form is crucial for documenting the transfer of ownership for mobile homes, ensuring both buyers and sellers protect their rights during such transactions. For detailed insights on this form, you can refer to the Templates and Guide, which provides valuable resources to aid in the completion of this essential legal document.
The Petition for Divorce (form JD-FM-135) also parallels the Custody Application form in that it may involve custody issues as part of the divorce proceedings. Both documents require detailed information about the parties involved and the children. While the Petition for Divorce addresses the dissolution of the marriage, it often includes requests for custody arrangements, making it essential to provide similar information regarding the child's well-being and parental rights.
The Parenting Plan (form JD-FM-140) is another document that relates closely to the Custody Application. This form outlines how parents will share responsibilities and make decisions regarding their child after separation or divorce. Both forms emphasize the child's best interests and require a clear outline of custody and visitation arrangements. The Parenting Plan is often submitted alongside the Custody Application to provide a comprehensive view of the proposed arrangements.
The Affidavit Concerning Children (form JD-FM-164) is essential when filing a Custody Application. Both documents require detailed information about the children involved, including their living situation and any relevant history. The Affidavit serves to support the Custody Application by providing the court with necessary background information and evidence of the child's needs and circumstances.
The Order to Attend Hearing (form JD-FM-162) is similar to the Custody Application form in that it is a procedural document that must accompany the application. This order informs the parties involved about the hearing date and requirements. Both documents are crucial for ensuring that all parties are aware of their obligations and the court's expectations during the custody proceedings.
Finally, the Notice of Automatic Court Orders (form JD-FM-158) is related to the Custody Application in that it outlines the automatic orders that take effect upon the filing of a custody application. Both documents aim to protect the interests of the child and ensure that all parties adhere to specific guidelines during the custody process. The Notice serves as a reminder of the legal obligations that arise once the custody application is submitted.