During a separation, decisions regarding child custody are often the hardest for divorcing couples to make. Fortunately, as long as both parties are willing to cooperate, they can retain control over the proceedings and keep them out of court. Before you and your family law attorney can propose an arrangement to your ex’s legal team, however, you must familiarize yourself with the following different types of child custody. 

4 Kinds of Custody 

1. Physical Custody

Parents who have physical custody live with their children at least some of the time. Generally speaking, the parent who resides with the kids for a larger portion of the year is deemed the custodial parent and is therefore entitled to child support. 

2. Legal Custody 

Legal custody allows parents to make major decisions on behalf of their children. For example, if you have legal custody, you have a say in your son or daughter’s education, health care, and religious upbringing. It’s not uncommon for parents to share legal custody, regardless of their physical arrangement, which means they must make decisions for their children together. 

3. Sole Custody 

If you have sole custody, your children live with you 100% of the time, and you are responsible for making all decisions on their behalf. Your ex-spouse may still have visitation, however, because it’s usually in a child’s best interest to maintain a relationship with both parents.

4. Joint Custody 

In a joint custody arrangement, the parents share physical and legal custody of the children. Family law attorneys often encourage clients to pursue some kind of joint arrangement unless they have a strong reason to keep the children from the other party, such as violence or substance abuse.

If you’re facing a custody battle, turn to the family law attorneys at Sanders & Austin in Princeton, WV. Since 1906, this firm has been counseling clients across Mercer County and the surrounding area. This family-operated practice will go above and beyond for their clients so they can secure the most favorable outcomes possible. To learn more about their strategic attorneys, visit their website. To request a consultation, call (304) 425-8125.