If I hire a attorney in Connecticut, will it help us figure out who actually has custody of the kids during divorce?

I don't know what Connecticut has to do with this Wisconsin corner of the site. But in any event, hiring an experienced matrimonial lawyer is almost always worth the investment. Custody ad placement of children is usually determined, on a temporary basis, at a temporary order hearing (under this or some other name) very early in the divorce process. Although this is not supposed to be the permanent arrangement, once six or eight months pass, the court will likely think continuation of the present arrangement is. Stability is in the children's best interest. So the first stages of the divorce can actually be crucial.