Connecticut Senate Bill SB00444

Connecticut 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/15/12
• Refer: 3/15/12

Caption

An Act Concerning Intervention By Interested Third Parties In Controversies Involving Custody Of Minor Children.

Impact

If enacted, SB00444 would significantly influence how courts handle custody disputes in Connecticut. The introduction of third-party intervention could lead to more parties being involved in custody cases, which may facilitate diverse familial structures and relationships being acknowledged within custody determinations. The bill is designed with the intention of prioritizing the best interests of the child, ensuring that their welfare is at the forefront of custody decisions.

Summary

SB00444 seeks to amend existing state laws regarding custody disputes involving minor children by allowing interested third parties to intervene in such controversies. The bill outlines specific factors that the court must consider when determining whether the intervention by a third party is appropriate. These factors include the nature of the relationship between the third party and the child as well as any financial contributions made by the third party towards the child's support. This change aims to provide courts with a more structured approach to cases where non-parental parties may play influential roles in a child's life.

Contention

Despite its focus on the welfare of children, SB00444 may encounter opposition based on concerns about the implications of allowing third parties to intervene in custody matters. Critics might argue that this could complicate custody proceedings and potentially lead to disputes between parents and third parties regarding custody rights and responsibilities. There is also a fear that these changes might result in the dilution of parental authority, with courts increasingly involving more non-parental figures in sensitive custody decisions.