Different Types of Child Custody Arrangements

Depending on the circumstances of your relationship and divorce, courts may choose from any of a variety of types of child custody arrangements. While courts may draft unique arrangements based on your divorce, there are typically four different types of child custody arrangements that are used: 

• Legal custody. A person who has legal custody a person who has both the right and the responsibility to make certain decisions on behalf of their child. These decisions could include the type of schooling your child will go through, their religious education and training, the kind of medical care they will receive and the types of discipline that you use.
• Physical custody. This type of custody simply refers to the right to have your children living with you. A person with physical custody has the responsibility to care for the child’s everyday needs, but it does not necessarily mean that they have legal custody over the child.
• Sole custody. In this type of custody arrangement, only one person has physical and/or legal custody of the child. Only you are responsible for making the various decisions regarding how you will raise your child. You are the only parent that has the right to have your children live with you.
• Joint custody. A joint custody arrangement involves you and an ex-spouse or partner to share physical and/or legal custody of the child. You will both be responsible for making decisions regarding your child’s upbringing, and your children will split time living with both of you. Courts will work with you to determine a schedule for when and how often your children will live with you.      

To work toward a favorable child custody arrangement for you and your kids, meet with an experienced family law attorney at Bryan L. Salamone & Associates.