Child Custody

Child Custody
There are four different types of child custody sole custody, joint custody, physical custody, and legal custody. Sole custody means that only the custodial parent has physical custody and legal custody of a child, and that the noncustodial parent has visitation rights. In most states, courts are moving away from awarding sole custody to one parent, and they are often enlarging the role a father plays in his children's lives. This translates into physical custody for one parent with joint legal custody shared by both -- plus a generous visitation schedule. Courts may not hesitate to award physical custody to the father if the mother is deemed unfit. It's understandable that there may be animosity between spouses, but sole custody shouldn't be sought unless the parent is a direct harm to the children.
Parents who don't live together have joint custody (also called shared custody) when they agree, or a court orders them, to share the decision-making responsibi...