Sharing children is a common occurrence for parents who are no longer married, but choosing the right plan for sharing children is not always easy.
Are you and your former spouse trying to determine how to handle sharing your children? If so, you may benefit from learning more about the types of child custody options available to you.
There are only a few terms you need to know as you begin to decide how to handle this decision.
Below is a guide that will help you understand the main options for child custody arrangements.
Joint custody vs. sole custody
You can break down the issue of child custody into two main options. The first option is joint custody and sole custody.
Joint custody is an arrangement in which parents share the child’s residence. Couples who have joint custody have their children stay with them on a regular basis.
Joint custody is an option that works well when
Parents live near each other
The children spend a lot of time with both parents
Both parents are highly involved in the children’s lives
Sole custody means that the children are primarily with one parent. The parent who has the child most of the time has full rights to the child. The children spend most of their time with this parent and this parent makes decisions for them.
Parents have rights, so you may want to learn more about your parental rights before choosing a path.
Physical vs. Legal Custody
The next major part of child custody options is understanding the difference between physical custody and legal custody.
Physical custody is a legal term that refers to who the child lives with. You can have a situation where both of you have physical custody of the child. The court calls this joint physical custody.
You can also have a situation where only one parent has physical custody, which the courts generally refer to as sole physical custody.
Legal custody is the last term to understand. The parent who has legal custody has the right to make decisions for the child. You can choose from one of two options for legal custody
Joint legal custody – If you both want to have the right to make legal decisions, you should aim for this option.
Sole Legal Custody – If only one of you should have the right to make legal decisions, you should pursue sole legal custody.
If you and your spouse are having challenges deciding which way to go, contact the Hague Law Firm, PLLC to speak with an attorney about your situation.
Learn More About Types of Child Custody
Hopefully, you have a better understanding of the major types of child custody options available to you.
Research this issue more and learn as much as you can before you and your former spouse decide to take the right route.
