There are two types of custody. Legal custody means the right to make decisions about a child’s welfare—for example, to decide where the child will go to school and what type of medical care is appropriate for the child. Physical custody is the right to have the child live with you.
Custody can be divided in different ways. If both parents spend significant time with the child and share decision-making responsibilities, they have joint legal and physical custody. It’s also possible for one parent to have sole physical custody while the parents share legal custody, or for one parent to have sole legal and physical custody. It all depends on the relationship between the parents, the child’s needs, and the overall circumstances.
What's In a Name? Child Custody Terms Explained
Learn the meaning of words like legal custody, physical custody, joint custody, and sole custody.
Joint Child Custody: Do the Advantages Outweigh the Disadvantages?
Is it always better for both parents to have custody of the children after a divorce?
International Child Custody Laws
This article provides an overview of the laws relating to international child abductions and move-away cases.
Physical and Legal Custody in New Hampshire
What's the difference between legal and physical child custody in New Hampshire?
Types of Child Custody in Mississippi
Learn about the different ways divorcing (or unmarried) parents can handle custody of children in Mississippi.
Differences Between Legal and Physical Child Custody
What's the difference between legal and physical custody, and what do they look like?