What is the difference between legal custody and joint custody?

There are several different types of child custody: Legal Custody: Parents who have legal custody are able to make legal decisions on matters impacting the child. Joint Physical Custody: When parents share joint physical custody, the children split time between living with both parents.

What does joint custody mean in a divorce?

Physical custody can be: Joint, which means that the children live with both parents. Sole or primary, which means the children live with 1 parent most of the time and usually visit the other parent.

What does joint legal custody of a child mean?

“Joint legal custody” means that the parents share the decision-making rights, responsibilities and authority relating to the health, education and welfare of the child. Generally, I explain to my clients that legal custody involves the ability to make major life decisions regarding the child.

Can a judge award joint custody in Family Court?

We don’t address dependency court (sometimes called children’s court) or criminal law matters. We also don’t write about parental rights termination cases. In family court, a judge may award joint or sole legal custody and joint or sole physical custody. Parenting time (also called visitation) may be equal or primarily to one parent.

What are the benefits and drawbacks of joint custody?

Joint custody has its benefits and drawbacks for both the child and the parents. Parents considering their custody options should consider the following: Parents who share joint legal custody must continue to communicate with one another in order to reach joint decisions.

Can a court take custody away from a non custodial parent?

The court may give discretion on educational related decisions to the non-custodial parent and take parts of the custodial parent’s joint legal custody away. It doesn’t always have to be all or nothing.