The best interests of the child refers to the factors most courts consider when making decisions on child custody and visitation rights.

These factors may include the needs and circumstances of the child (happiness, security, mental health, emotional development, educational opportunities, special needs, siblings, religious and cultural considerations, continuity and stability, child’s wishes) and the circumstances of the parent or caregiver (relationships, living arrangements, history of abuse, mental health, physical health, financial resources, substance abuse).

There is generally a presumption that it is in a child’s best interests to have a relationship with both of the child’s biological parents—unless one or both of the parents are shown to be unfit parents.

In Connecticut, the 'best interests of the child' standard is the guiding principle for courts when making decisions regarding child custody and visitation rights. This standard takes into account various factors that affect the well-being of the child, including but not limited to the child's happiness, security, mental and emotional development, educational opportunities, special needs, relationships with siblings, and the child's own wishes, depending on their age and maturity. The court also considers the parents' or caregivers' circumstances, such as their relationship with the child, living arrangements, history of abuse or neglect, mental and physical health, financial stability, and any issues with substance abuse. Connecticut law generally supports the presumption that maintaining a relationship with both biological parents is in the child's best interests, except in cases where a parent is deemed unfit. This presumption can be overcome if evidence is presented that contact with a parent would be detrimental to the child's welfare.