What will happen to the kids after a divorce? This is a question many divorcing parents have. Before agreeing to anything or signing papers, it may be important to learn more about child custody, which refers to each parent’s legal right over their children.
A child custody arrangement can determine legal and physical custody. Here is what you should know:
What is legal and physical custody?
A parent who can make decisions for their child has legal custody. Legal custody can allow a parent to decide where their child goes to school, which doctor they will see or what type of diet their child has. Parents can share legal custody through a joint custody arrangement. However, a single parent may be given sole legal custody if the other parent is not fit to decide what is best for their child’s upbringing, safety and wellbeing.
Physical custody refers to where a child lives. Most parents live separately after a divorce. A physical custody arrangement can allow co-parents to schedule days when their child lives with them. A child custody schedule may arrange for parents to have custody every few days, weeks or months depending on each parent’s daily schedule.
However, a parent may also be given sole physical custody. Sole physical custody means that a parent is entirely responsible for their child’s daily routine and care. The parent without physical custody may be granted visitation days to see their child.
Your child’s future is important to you. You can reach out for professional legal guidance to learn more about your parental rights and custody options.