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In major news for families in Connecticut, a new family law bill was passed on June 10, 2026, that will have a significant impact on custody arrangements for separating or divorcing parents. The bill, known as the Equal Parenting Time Act, aims to ensure that both parents have equal access to their children following a separation or divorce.Under the new law, courts will be required to grant equal parenting time to both parents unless it is determined to be against the best interests of the child. This marks a departure from the previous standard, which often favored one parent over the other in custody disputes.Proponents of the bill argue that children benefit from having meaningful relationships with both parents and that equal parenting time can help reduce conflict between parents during and after a separation. They believe that the new law will help promote the well-being of children in Connecticut.Opponents of the bill, however, raise concerns about the potential for increased conflict between parents if both are granted equal parenting time. They argue that the courts should have the discretion to determine custody arrangements based on the specific circumstances of each case.Despite the controversy surrounding the bill, Governor Jane Smith signed it into law, stating that it is a step towards ensuring that children have the opportunity to maintain strong relationships with both of their parents.The Equal Parenting Time Act will go into effect on January 1, 2027, and will apply to all custody cases filed on or after that date. It represents a significant shift in family law in Connecticut and could have far-reaching implications for families throughout the state.