If you and your children’s other parent separate or divorce, you’ll have to implement a custody arrangement. With help from a strategic divorce lawyer, it may be possible to negotiate for a satisfactory arrangement, thereby allowing you to bypass a contentious court battle. Before you can devise an agreement that a judge will sign off on, though, you must familiarize yourself with the different types of custody.

4 Kinds of Child Custody 

1. Legal Custody

If a judge grants you legal custody, that means you may make major decisions for your children. It’s fairly common for both parents to retain legal custody, which means they must consult each other regarding their children’s education, medical care, religious upbringing, and travel opportunities. 

2. Physical Custody 

If you have physical custody, that means your children live with you at least some of the time. If you have physical custody of your children most or all of the time, you may also be entitled to child support. 

3. Joint Custody 

Losing any amount of time with your children will be challenging, but divorce lawyers can attest that it’s almost always in a child’s best interest to retain a relationship with both parents. In a joint custody arrangement, the parents generally share legal custody. If they don’t share physical custody as well, the parent who doesn’t reside with the kids typically has visitation. 

4. Sole Custody 

In a sole custody arrangement, only one parent is granted legal and physical custody of the children. The other parent may have visitation rights but will not be entitled to make major decisions on behalf of the kids. 

For help securing a satisfactory custody arrangement—or modifying an existing agreement—turn to the divorce lawyers at Ibold & O’Brien. Since 1980, this firm has been counseling clients across northeast Ohio in a broad range of areas. In addition to family law, they practice criminal defense, personal injury law, estate planning, and bankruptcy. To request a consultation with a knowledgeable divorce lawyer, reach out on their website or call (440) 285-3511.