In any controversy before the Superior Court as to the custody of minor children, and on any complaint under this chapter or section 46b-1 or 51-348a, if there is any minor child of either or both parties, the court, if it has jurisdiction under the provisions of chapter 815p, may allow any interested third party or parties to intervene upon motion. The court may award full or partial custody, care, education and visitation rights of such child to any such third party upon such conditions and limitations as it deems equitable. Before allowing any such intervention, the court may appoint counsel for the minor child or children pursuant to the provisions of sections 46b-12 and 46b-54. In making any order under this section, the court shall be guided by the best interests of the child, giving consideration to the wishes of the child if the child is of sufficient age and capable of forming an intelligent preference.

Annotations to former section 46-47: Cited. 174 Conn. 244. Cited. 7 Conn.App. 720. Cited. 33 Conn.Supp. 100. Annotations to present section: Motion to intervene under statute was barred by absence of controversy; timeliness and “interested third parties” discussed. 185 Conn. 502. Cited. 193 C. 393. Former intervention not a requirement to a valid order of custody. 196 Conn. 10. Cited. 235 Conn. 82; 236 Conn. 582; 239 Conn. 336; 241 Conn. 767. In order to uphold constitutionality of section, court imposed a standing requirement that a third party allege a parent-like relationship with the child for third party custody awards and third parties seeking intervention in existing custody proceedings. 285 Conn. 24. Cited. 2 Conn.App. 132; judgment reversed, see 234 Conn. 51; 11 Conn.App. 43; 34 Conn.App. 129; 35 Conn.App. 421; 40 Conn.App. 675. Cited. 35 Conn.Supp. 237.