Types of Child Custody: What's the Difference?

What is custody?
Custody refers to the care, control, and possession of a minor child. Custody may be more specifically defined as legal or physical custody.
What is joint custody?
Joint custody may refer to ‘joint legal custody,’ where both parents have the right to make decisions on behalf of their child. Joint physical custody refers to both parents sharing and spending 50/50 percent of parenting time with the child.
What is legal custody of a child?
Legal custody refers to the right and responsibility to make major decisions regarding a minor child’s education, religious upbringing, non-emergency medical needs and extra curricular activities.
What is sole custody?
Sole custody refers to a parent who has been awarded permanent custody of a child and has the exclusive rights and responsibilities regarding physical possession of the child. A sole custodian also has the exclusive responsibility to make major decisions regarding a minor child’s education, religious upbringing, non-emergency medical needs and extra curricular activities.
How far can a parent move with joint custody?
A court cannot limit how far one parent can move from the other, although the court will require notice be given to the other party prior to moving. If you share joint physical custody and move unreasonably far from the other joint physical custodian, this may be grounds to modify your custody agreement.
How to get full custody of a child?

Ways to win full custody:

  • Establish that it is in the best interest of the child to reside with you primarily
  • Have a flexible and available work schedule
  • Maintain a stable home environment with adequate space for the child
  • Have familial support located in your area to assist with the child
  • Exhibit that you possess the ability to facilitate and foster a healthy relationship between the child and the non custodial parent
Phone: 678-545-2118

Monday - Thursday: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Friday: 9:00am - 1:00pm
Saturday - Sunday: Closed
info@thefamilymatterslaw.com
Stay up-to-date on our latest news

This website is a public resource of general information concerning our law firm and not intended to be a source of legal advice. Family Matters Law Group, P.C. intends to provide up-to-date, current, and correct information, however it does not guarantee, promise or assert that the information is as such. The information is not intended to create, and receipt of it does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. Internet subscribers and online readers should not act upon this information without seeking professional counsel. You should consult an attorney for individual advice regarding your own situation. Links on this website are not intended to be referrals or endorsements of the linked entities. Family Matters Law Group, P.C. expressly disclaims all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the contents of this site. The reproduction or retransmission of the contents of this Web site is prohibited without the prior written consent of Family Matters Law Group, P.C.
© 2022 Family Matters Law Group, P.C.. All Rights Reserved.
linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram