If you have children and you are going through a divorce, then you will likely have to consider your custody options. Custody determines what rights parents have to raise their children after a divorce.
Custody is split into physical and legal. Physical custody determines which parent is responsible for caring for their children daily, including providing meals, clothing and shelter. Legal custody determines whether parents retain the right to make life decisions for their children, such as where they go to school or if they will take medication.
Child custody is decided through arrangements. Here is what you should know:
Joint custody and co-parenting
If you and your children’s other parent are considering sharing custody and parental rights after a divorce, then you may have joint custody or a co-parenting arrangement. Co-parenting likely means that you and your spouse will work together to decide what is best for your children.
This may also mean you and your spouse will work out a schedule to decide where a child lives at any given time. Parents may rotate custody schedules daily, weekly or monthly depending on what fits with your and your spouse’s schedule.
Sole custody and visitation
If you or your spouse feel that it is best if your children are cared for by one parent, then you or your spouse may gain sole custody. Sole custody allows one parent to make the majority of the decisions and may have full responsibility to provide for their children daily. The parent without sole custody could have the right to visit their children on scheduled days.
Going through a divorce with children can be difficult. You can learn about legal options before beginning a divorce.
