Conn. Practice Book § 35a-3 (2026)

Sec. 35a-3. Coterminous Petitions When coterminous petitions are filed, the judi- cial authority first determines by a fair preponder- ance of the evidence whether the child or youth is neglected, abused or uncared for; if so, then the judicial authority determines whether statu- tory grounds exist to terminate parental rights by clear and convincing evidence; if so, then the judi- cial authority determines whether termination of parental rights is in the best interests of the child or youth by clear and convincing evidence. If the judicial authority determines that termination grounds do not exist or termination of parental rights is not in the best interests of the child or youth, then the judicial authority may consider by a fair preponderance of the evidence any of the 370 dispositional alternatives available under the neglect, abuse or uncared for petition. (Adopted June 24, 2002, to take effect Jan. 1, 2003; amended June 30, 2008, to take effect Jan. 1, 2009; amended June 15, 2012, to take effect Jan. 1, 2013.)