Conn. Practice Book § 35a-24 (2026)

Sec. 35a-24. Motions for Posttermination Visitation (a) Whenever any party seeks an order for posttermination visitation in the context of the termination of parental rights proceeding, the movant shall file a motion in accordance with Section 34a-1.

(b) The judicial authority shall hold an evidentiary hearing to determine whether such an order is necessary or appropriate to secure the welfare, protection, proper care and suitable support of a child.

(c) Upon motion of any party or upon its own motion, the judicial authority may consolidate the hearing on the motion for posttermination visitation with the termination of parental rights trial.

(d) The moving party shall have the burden of proving that posttermination visits are necessary or appropriate to secure the welfare, protection, proper care and suitable support of a child.

(e) In deciding whether to order posttermination visitation, the judicial authority may consider: the wishes of the child; the expressed interests of the birth parent; the frequency and quality of visitation between the child and birth parent prior to the termination of the parent’s parental rights; the strength of the emotional bond between the child and the birth parent; any interference with present custodial arrangements; any impact on the adoption prospects for the child; and any other factors the judicial authority finds relevant and material. (Adopted June 9, 2023, to take effect Jan. 1, 2024.)