Connecticut Essential Legal Life Documents for New Parents

A father's name does not have to be added at the time of registering the birth. A father's name can be added to the birth certificate at a later time. If the parents are married, then both parents details will appear on the birth certificate. Either parent can register the child's birth on their own.

1 attorney answer Although a child's wishes are one factor among many the court must consider in determining the child's best interests, a minor child never gets to "decide" which parent to live with.

Custody/Visitation Application (JD-FM-161) - If you are a parent of the child or children. Custody Application Verified Petition for Visitation Grandparents & Third Parties (JD-FM-221) - If you are not a parent of the child or child(ren)

Adults are responsible for determining what is in the best interests of children. Therefore, a 10 year-old's wishes will never be determinative. However, the Court may take the child's wishes into account.

Under state law in Connecticut both the mother and the father of a child have the legal right to seek custody of the child and/or visitation time with the child. When a child custody case begins both the mother and the father are treated equally and have equal rights.

In Connecticut there is no particular age at which a child has a "right to choose". The courts in Connecticut consider this a decision best made to the parents and when the parents cannot agree, for the court to ultimately decide.

If both parents are in agreement as to who is the biological father, they must complete the Acknowledgement of Paternity form and submit it to the State Vital Records Office.