California recognizes different types of custody. Learn about the different types of custody and their meaning.
Physical Custody – Physical Custody defines where a child will live. A child will usually live exclusively with one parent and visit the other parent, or live with both parents. The parent with “physical custody” of the child will provide the day-to-day care for the child.
Legal Custody – Legal custody defines how decision about the child’s upbringing and welfare will be made. Parents will usually share legal custody. However, in some cases, where a parent is found to be unfit, one parent may be awarded legal custody and exclusive decision making regarding the child’s upbringing and welfare.
Sole Custody – A parent with “sole custody” has exclusive physical and legal custody rights of the child.
Joint Custody – Parents that share legal custody on an equal basis and physical custody on an equal basis (or close to equal basis) are said to have “joint custody”.
If you are seeking custody or need to defend custody of your child, we invite you to contact us and schedule an appointment to discuss your situation and/or legal need. For a free consultation, call (866) 463-2448 or send us a request for an appointment online.