Child custody issues are often painful and challenging aspects of divorce or separation. When the court decides in favor of your child's best interest, it’s choosing between a defined series of options. Review those options to prepare for your upcoming custody case.

Types of Child Custody Arrangements

1. Physical Custody

This arrangement allows a child to live with either one or both of their parents. Child support payments will depend on physical custody, with payments typically being made to the parent who has custody.

2. Legal Custody

A parent with legal custody has the right to make decisions about their child’s upbringing, including their religious affiliation, education, and medical care. Legal custody can be sole or joint, though this arrangement has no bearing on child support.

3. Joint Custody

Joint or shared custody can refer to joint legal and physical custody, joint physical custody, or joint legal custody. This arrangement requires parents to agree on terms for their child's needs and housing arrangements.

For instance, many joint physical custody situations involve children living with each parent for alternating weeks, or living with one parent during the week and one on the weekends. In a joint legal custody arrangement, both parents can make decisions about their child, but only one is considered the child's primary physical caretaker. 

4. Sole Custody

This arrangement grants legal or physical custody to only one parent, while the other parent is given visitation rights. Courts typically award sole custody when one parent is considered unfit due to substance or child abuse charges. 

Child custody matters can be complicated and confusing, necessitating the involvement of a compassionate and experienced attorney. For over 34 years, the Law Offices of Brian J De Lima in Hilo, HI, have been providing clients on the Big Island with results-driven legal strategies. Visit their website or call them today at (808) 969-7707 to schedule a free consultation.