DocketNumber: No. FA 99 0060717S
Citation Numbers: 2001 Conn. Super. Ct. 16080
Judges: KOCAY, JUDGE.
Filed Date: 12/10/2001
Status: Non-Precedential
Modified Date: 7/5/2016
The standard for review for a modification of judgment pertaining to issues concerning minor children is that of the best interest of the child. Connecticut General Statutes Section
The issue of what is in the best interest of the child is factual in nature. The facts that have to be reviewed when dealing with educational opportunities or school placement are a broad spectrum. What must be taken into account is the level of education available in the chosen system, the discipline present, the level of achievement expected from the students, quality and expertise of the teachers, the nature of the after school activities available to the student, and the peer group within which the entire scholastic experience occurs. It is significant in this case that the parties, in 1998, when the original judgment issued, were convinced that it was in the best interest of the minor children to attend St. Joseph's school in Thompson, Connecticut. It is also significant that the parties have set about a constant course of bickering, sniping and generally being disagreeable with one another resulting from financial disputes. The court finds that the minor child Justin has been attending St. Joseph's since kindergarten and he has successfully enjoyed his educational experience and the interaction with the other students that have become his peer group.
Therefore the court finds that it is in the best interest of the minor child to continue to attend St. Joseph's school as originally contemplated by the parties at the time of dissolution in 1998.
The next issue the court has to address is the financial abilities of the respective parents to pay 50 percent of the tuition expense. The court, after review of the financial affidavits of the parties, finds that the defendant has the ability to make a 50 percent contribution of the tuition at St. Joseph's school and accordingly orders that the parties share equally the tuition expenses of the minor child as long as he continues to attend St. Joseph's school. CT Page 16082
It is so ordered.
Kocay, J.