If you and your spouse are going through a divorce in Pennsylvania, one of the major decisions that you will need to discuss as parents is how you would want to share custody over your children.
While there are varying types of custody arrangements, they have two main types: physical custody and legal custody. Here is what each type means and how they differ from one another.
What is physical custody?
Physical custody is the right of one or both parents to have their children live with them. In most cases of joint custody, one parent’s house will become the home base or “primary residence” for their kids, while the other parent will follow a court-approved parenting time schedule.
However, if a family’s situation involves abuse or domestic violence, the court will seek to prioritize the children’s safety and award one parent with a sole custody order. In this instance, the custodial parent will raise their children in their own home and on their own terms; without the other “abusive” parent’s input.
What is legal custody?
Legal custody is the right of one or both parents to make important decisions about their children’s upbringing. These decisions help shape their future and focus primarily on vital matters such as school, religion and healthcare.
If you and your spouse both have legal custody of your kids, you will continue to work together as civilized co-parents. This is because you will collaborate in making important decisions about your children’s lives.
Your focus should be on your children
By learning about the two main types of custody in Pennsylvania, you and your spouse can become more familiar with their distinct definitions and work on an agreement that not only is fair for both parties but also favors the best interests of your kids.
