CT SB01049

Requires counsel and guardians ad litem for minor children in family relations matters to register annually with the Chief Court Administrator and pay a $300 registration fee deposited in the General Fund, effective October 1, 2017.

Courts must provide parties with written notification of 15 eligible counsel or guardians ad litem, allowing parties two weeks to select one jointly; if parties cannot agree, the court appoints from the list.

Establishes detailed requirements for court orders appointing counsel or guardians ad litem, including specific work scope, end dates, fee schedules, and mandatory periodic court reviews at least every three months.

Creates civil liability for counsel or guardians ad litem, allowing parties to bring suit for damages or equitable relief with attorney's fees awarded to successful plaintiffs; immunity is not a defense.

Replaces "joint custody" terminology with "shared custody" and allows parents to mutually select healthcare providers for their children; requires written parental agreements on custody and care to be incorporated into court orders unless the court finds the agreement not in the child's best interests or a parent unfit by clear and convincing evidence.