A divorce can be difficult for parents and children. One of the biggest hurdles parents have to face early on during a divorce is learning about child custody.
It is important to understand a few basic terms when discussing child custody. Here is what you should know:
1. Physical custody
Physical custody refers to where a child lives. A parent who has physical custody of their child is responsible for caring for their child’s daily needs, such as meals and the school schedule.
2. Legal custody
Legal custody refers to a parent’s right to decide what is best for their child’s upbringing, safety, health and education. For example, a parent with legal custody can decide to put their child into a private school instead of a public school.
3. Sole custody
Sole custody means that one parent has legal and/or physical custody of their child. A parent with sole physical custody is entirely responsible for their child’s daily needs. A parent with sole legal custody can make decisions for their child without the other parent.
4. Joint custody
Joint custody means that both parents share legal and/or physical custody of their child. Parents who share physical custody often alternate when they are responsible for their child’s daily care. Parents who share legal custody make decisions together in the best interests of their child.
5. Custody schedule
Parents who have joint physical custody arrange custody days through a custody schedule. A custody schedule outlines each day, week or month each parent has custody of their child.
Professional legal guidance can help parents learn more about their parental rights.