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The Connecticut Custody Application form is a crucial document for parents and guardians seeking legal custody or visitation rights concerning their children. This form, officially designated as JD-FM-161, serves as the starting point for parents to establish their legal relationship with their child or children in the eyes of the court. When filling out the form, applicants must indicate whether they are applying for custody or visitation, and provide essential information about themselves, the child, and any other involved parties. It is important to attach additional documents, such as the Order to Attend Hearing and the Affidavit Concerning Children, to support the application. The form requires applicants to demonstrate their legal standing as a parent by submitting relevant documents like birth certificates or court orders. Furthermore, the applicant must confirm that Connecticut has jurisdiction over the case, providing reasons such as residency or significant connections to the state. This form not only outlines the procedural steps necessary for filing but also includes sections for specific requests regarding custody arrangements and visitation rights. Understanding the requirements and correctly completing this form is essential for navigating custody and visitation matters effectively.

Documents used along the form

The Connecticut Custody Application form is a crucial document for parents seeking custody or visitation rights. Along with this form, several other documents are often required to support the application. Each of these documents serves a specific purpose in the custody process.

  • Order to Attend Hearing (JD-FM-162): This document informs the parties involved about the date and time of the court hearing. It is essential for ensuring that all parties are present for the proceedings.
  • Notice of Automatic Court Orders (JD-FM-158): This notice outlines the automatic orders that take effect once a custody application is filed. It helps parties understand their rights and responsibilities during the custody process.
  • Texas Motorcycle Bill of Sale: Essential for anyone buying or selling a motorcycle in Texas, the billofsaleforvehicles.com/editable-texas-motorcycle-bill-of-sale serves as legal proof of the transaction and is necessary for registration purposes.
  • Affidavit Concerning Children (JD-FM-164): This affidavit provides detailed information about the children involved, including their living arrangements and any relevant history. It helps the court assess the best interests of the children.
  • Certification of Notice (JD-FM-175): This document confirms that the required notices have been sent to the appropriate parties, such as the Office of the Attorney General or the local City or Town Clerk, if applicable.

Gathering these documents is an important step in the custody application process. Each form plays a role in ensuring that the court has all necessary information to make informed decisions regarding custody and visitation rights.

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Preview - Connecticut Custody Application Form

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

Common Questions

What is the purpose of the Connecticut Custody Application form?

The Connecticut Custody Application form is used to request custody or visitation rights for children. It is designed for parents, grandparents, or third parties who seek to establish or modify legal relationships with children. The form helps ensure that all necessary information is collected and submitted to the court for consideration.

Who can file this application?

This application can be filed by parents seeking custody or visitation of their children. Additionally, grandparents and third parties can file for visitation using a different form, the Verified Petition for Visitation — Grandparents & Third Parties (form JD-FM-221).

What documents must be attached to the application?

When submitting the application, you must attach several documents. These include the Order to Attend Hearing (form JD-FM-162), the Notice of Automatic Court Orders (form JD-FM-158), and the Affidavit Concerning Children (form JD-FM-164). These documents help establish the context and legal basis for your request.

What information is required about the child or children?

You need to provide the names and dates of birth of the child or children involved in the application. Additionally, you should include the names of the parents or guardians. This information is essential for the court to identify the parties involved in the case.

How does Connecticut determine jurisdiction over the case?

Connecticut courts can decide custody cases if certain conditions are met. For instance, the child must be a resident of Connecticut, or have lived there for a specified period. Other factors include the child's significant connections to the state and any emergency situations affecting the child's well-being.

What if the applicant or child has received state assistance?

If the applicant, respondent, or any child listed has received financial support or HUSKY health insurance from the State of Connecticut, you must notify the Office of the Attorney General. This involves sending a copy of the application and related documents to their office and filing a Certification of Notice with the court clerk.

What are the options for custody and visitation requests?

The application allows you to request various types of custody arrangements, such as sole legal custody or joint legal custody. You can also request a parenting responsibility plan. For visitation, you can specify the desired visitation schedule. These options help tailor the request to meet the needs of the child and the parents involved.

How should personal identifying information be handled?

When submitting documents, it is important to redact any personal identifying information as defined by Section 4-7 of the Connecticut Practice Book. This protects the privacy of all parties involved in the case and ensures compliance with legal standards.

Where can I find more information or assistance regarding the application?

For additional guidance, you can visit the Connecticut Judicial Branch website at www.jud.ct.gov. The site provides resources and information about the application process, including contact details for court clerks and ADA accommodations.

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Guide to Filling Out Connecticut Custody Application

Once you have gathered the necessary information and documents, you are ready to fill out the Connecticut Custody Application form. This form is essential for initiating a custody or visitation case in Connecticut. Completing it accurately is crucial to ensure that your application is processed smoothly.

  1. Begin by checking the appropriate box at the top of the form to indicate whether you are applying for custody or visitation. Complete pages 1 and 2 of the form as instructed.
  2. Attach the required documents: the Order to Attend Hearing (form JD-FM-162), the Notice of Automatic Court Orders (form JD-FM-158), and the Affidavit Concerning Children (form JD-FM-164).
  3. Before the first scheduled court date, file the accompanying documents that establish a legal relationship between the parents and the child or children. Remember to redact any personal identifying information from these documents as specified by Section 4-7 of the Connecticut Practice Book.
  4. If you are a grandparent or a third party seeking visitation, use the Verified Petition for Visitation — Grandparents & Third Parties (form JD-FM-221) instead.
  5. Fill in the Judicial District of the court, the town, and the docket number if known.
  6. Provide your name as the applicant, including your last name, first name, and middle initial.
  7. List the respondent’s name in the same format. If there is another parent involved, include their name as well.
  8. If applicable, include the additional respondent’s name.
  9. Indicate your relationship to the child or children by selecting either Mother or Father.
  10. In the next section, specify whether you want custody or visitation rights for the child or children listed. Include their names and dates of birth, as well as the names of their parents or guardians.
  11. Explain why Connecticut has jurisdiction over this case by checking all applicable reasons outlined in the form.
  12. If you are the mother or father seeking custody, proceed to fill out the relevant sections regarding financial support and HUSKY Health Insurance.
  13. If you checked "yes" for financial support or HUSKY, remember to send copies of your application and related documents to the Office of the Attorney General and file the Certification of Notice (form JD-FM-175) with the court clerk.
  14. Complete the Claim for Relief section by selecting the custody or visitation orders you are requesting from the court.
  15. Finally, sign and date the application, providing your address and phone number.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Connecticut Custody Application form, follow these guidelines to ensure a smooth process.

  • Do check the appropriate box for custody or visitation at the top of the form.
  • Do complete all required pages of the form accurately.
  • Do attach necessary documents, such as the Order to Attend Hearing and Affidavit Concerning Children.
  • Do file your application and supporting documents by the first scheduled court date.
  • Do redact any personal identifying information from the documents you submit.
  • Don't forget to include any evidence proving your legal relationship to the child.
  • Don't submit documents that have not been properly completed or executed.
  • Don't ignore the requirement to notify the Office of the Attorney General if you have received financial support or HUSKY.
  • Don't leave out any additional sheets if you need more space to list children or other details.