The differences between sole custody and joint custody

On Behalf of | Jul 6, 2021 | Family Law |

If you are a parent getting divorced, you need to think about various family law issues regarding your kids. Aside from child support, many parents have to work through child custody issues, which sometimes result in bitter disputes. Every family faces unique circumstances and it is important to understand how sole custody and joint custody differ.

The outcome of a child custody case could have a significant impact on your relationship with your children. Make sure you strive to safeguard their interests and find an optimal end result.

Sole physical custody versus joint physical custody

According to the North Carolina Judicial Branch, when one parent secures sole physical custody, the child only lives with them. When both parents secure joint physical custody, they share time with the child. When parents have joint physical custody, a child could spend more time with one parent who has primary physical custody. Moreover, if one parent has sole physical custody, the other parent could have the ability to visit their child.

Taking a look at legal custody

Aside from physical custody, it is also important to go over legal custody, which allows parents to make important decisions regarding their child’s life, such as medical care and which school the child attends. Sometimes, one parent receives sole legal custody and they have the ability to make significant decisions regarding their child’s life without input from the child’s other parent. In other instances, parents share legal custody and they need to consult each other to make significant decisions mutually.

It is vital to prepare for custody and other family law matters.