Custody Labels in a Parenting Plan

Depending on the law in your jurisdiction, these legal concepts may be crucial for navigating co-parenting arrangements and ensuring that both parents can effectively contribute to their children's well-being. This module defines physical and legal custody, explains why these labels are implemented, and discusses their implications for enforcement and day-to-day parenting.

Physical custody

• Refers to where the children live and who is responsible for their daily care
• Tied to the parenting schedule
• Options:
  • Sole physical custody, where the children live primarily with one parent who handles most daily caregiving
  • Joint physical custody, where the children spend time living with both parents
  • Visitation rights, in some jurisdictions, time spent with the non-custodial parent or the parent with limited parenting time

Legal custody

• Refers to the authority to make major decisions about the children's lives, including education, healthcare, and religious upbringing
• Joint legal custody, when both parents share the responsibility and authority to make major decisions about their children's lives
• Sole legal custody, when one parent has the exclusive right to make major decisions regarding the children
• Far reaching implications
• Understanding and respecting these roles is essential for creating a cooperative and supportive co-parenting environment
• May have implications across geographic borders