Types of Child Custody
Although people sometimes refer to "child custody" in that general term, there are actually different types of custody. Divorcing parents' rights with respect to their children will vary depending on the type of custody that is agreed upon or ordered by the court. Below you will find tips on the key differences among legal custody, physical custody, sole custody, joint custody, and more.
- Overview: Types of Child Custody
A brief look at the various types of custody, as well as some of their pros and cons
- Legal Custody
Find out more about legal custody, which addresses the decision-making responsibilities of a parent or both parents
- Physical Custody
An overview of physical custody and how it covers parents' rights to provide day-to-care of their children
- Sole Custody
Learn about the somewhat rare arrangement where a parent receives "sole custody" of a child or children
- Joint Custody
Learn about the multiple uses for the term "joint custody" and how it affects parental rights
- Joint Legal and Physical Custody (Shared Custody)
A look at joint legal and physical custody, where parents may both make decisions on issues related to their children's upbringing (FindLaw Bookshelf)