■Divorce ■Child Custody

Child Custody

1. Joint Custody
 Joint custody is for both parents to share the custody of the children, where the court finds that both parents are fit to make major decisions for the children.
 The children typically reside with one parent, but both parents share in the decisions for the children regarding major issues such as religion, health, education, etc.


2. Sole Custody
 If a parent is awarded sole custody, he or she will have the authority to make major decisions regarding the minor children.
 The other parent may still contribute his or her thought or may object if he or she believes that the decision is not in the child's best interest.


3. Residential/Physical Custody
 Often, one parent is deemed to be the custodial parent and the other is the non-custodial parent.
 The custodial parent is said to have the residential or physical custody of the children.
 Usually, the non-custodial parent would have visitation rights and would pay child support to the custodial parent.
 There are several exceptions this rule.