Types of Custody

Joint Custody Arrangements When parents share joint custody, they usually work out a schedule according to their work requirements, housing arrangements and the children's needs. If the parents cannot agree on a schedule, the court will impose an arrangement.

Joint child custody occurs when parents share legal custody or physical custody of their child. Parents can share joint physical custody (where the child lives with each parent for a specific time period), or joint legal custody (where the child lives with one parent, but both parents have equal legal rights and

Physical Custody. Physical custody refers to where the children live on a regular basis. It can be shared by both parents or granted to just one. How custody is ordered at the time of your divorce can affect you later. For example, in some states, a parent with sole physical custody has a presumed right to move away with the kids.

In sole custody situations, the child's other parent (also known as the "non-custodial" parent) has neither physical nor legal custody rights, but may be entitled to periods of visitation with the child (though those visits may be supervised, especially in situations involving domestic violence or child abuse).