Physical Custody

Physical custody determines which parent has control of the physical location of where a child resides. After divorce or separation, the court may award sole physical custody to one parent or they may give both parents joint physical custody.

Sole physical custody is a physical custody arrangement which allows a child to live primarily with one parent, called the custodial parent, and have visitation with the non-custodial parent. Visitation is generally scheduled and can include visits to the other parent for one night during the week, every other weekend, and alternating holidays.

Joint physical custody is a physical custody arrangement which allows a child to share time between each parent's home. The amount of time does not have to be equal, but generally the child will rotate from home to home on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. The arrangement can allow for both parents to be involved in their child's lives, but opponents argue it can be disruptive to a child's schedule.