While many family law matters can be complicated and intense, perhaps none is more complex and stressful than child custody. In addition to the obvious emotional aspects of child custody, there are a number of custody arrangements available, and you want to understand the best one to pursue for your situation. Below, the family law and divorce lawyers at Everett Cuskaden & Associates, ALC, in Honolulu, Hawaii, discuss three common types of child custody plans.

3 Types of Child Custody Arrangements

1. Physical Custody

A parent who is given physical custody is the parent with whom the child will physically reside most of the time. In some scenarios, parents have joint physical custody, meaning the child splits their time equally between both parents' homes. In circumstances of sole physical custody, a child will live with just one parent and might receive visitation time with the other parent, or, in situations where it might be necessary, no visitation at all.

2. Legal Custody

Legal custody refers to the ability to make legal-related decisions on behalf of a minor child. The parent or parents endowed with this responsibility can decide things like where a child goes to school, what religion they practice, and where they go for medical care. In many families, legal custody is jointly shared between both parents, even in cases where one may have sole physical custody.

3. Visitation

With visitation rights, a parent can see the child on specific dates for predetermined periods of time. Visitation is typically given in cases where the noncustodial parent poses some sort of risk to the child. Visitation schedules can be worked out through each parent's family law attorney, or, if necessary, through the court system.

If you are dealing with a child custody issue, depend on the family law and divorce attorneys at Everett Cuskaden & Associates, ALC. For more than 35 years, they have been representing clients throughout Hawaii. Call (808) 545-1331 or visit their website to schedule an appointment, and be sure to visit their YouTube page for helpful videos and guidance.