The Difference Between Legal and Physical Child Custody
There are multiple parts to every child custody plan. It is important to align your expectations with the various elements involved. At the Viles Law Offices in Phoenix and Scottsdale, we will help you understand the difference between legal custody and physical custody, so you can come up with a complete child custody plan tailored to your needs.
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Your child custody and visitation settlement will map out a plan for your relationship with your children for years to come. We will work with you closely throughout the process, so you have a full understanding of your rights and options regarding both types of child custody:
- Legal custody: Determines the rights of the parent to make decisions about a child's life and well-being, including school, religion, and medical decisions. For joint legal custody plans, you will have to work with your co-parent, while in sole legal custody plans, one parent will make all the decisions. There are also final authority plans, so that the parent with sole custody must consult the other parent, but will have final say.
- Physical custody: This plan will determine where your kids live at any given time. Just know that even if you have joint physical custody, you may not have equal parenting time. Your physical custody plan will also affect your visitation schedule and child support.
In Arizona, most legal and physical custody plans are split one of two ways: as joint or sole custody. Our attorney will help you understand the difference between the two, as we create a flexible plan that works for you and your kids.
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Before you take a case to court or agree to a settlement in negotiation, make sure you fully understand your options. Call 1-866-756-7120 or contact us today for a free initial consultation.
