N.R. v. M.P., 227 Conn. App. 698 (2024) is a recent, significant case in Connecticut family law that highlights the challenges inherent in attempting to overturn custody decisions based on an abuse of discretion standard. This case provides important insights into custody determinations, property division, and the consequences of discovery violations in divorce proceedings. The following analysis examines key aspects of this case and the implications of the ruling for family law practice in Connecticut.

Factual Background

N.R. (the husband) and M.P. (the wife) wed in 2010 and had twins together. The couple separated in 2020. During the trial court proceedings, each party sought primary custody of their children and each disputed the other's characterization of what constituted a proper division of their marital assets. "The plaintiff father appealed the trial court's judgment awarding the defendant mother sole legal and physical custody of their two minor children." N.R. had been jailed from the end of 2017 through March 2020. Notwithstanding the fact that N.R. was incarcerated, the parties continued their relationship. Although N.R. lived with M.P. and the children following his release from jail, the parties' marriage began to disintegrate, resulting in the parties choosing to end their relationship in September 2020.