What's the difference

christine_marie

between legal and physical custody? X has not filed for visitation or any form of custody so in my state I automatically have full custody, but I'm just wondering what the difference is.

HisChamaoleGirl

Physical Custody - who the child is physically with. 50/50 is considered joint physical custody while sole physical custody is when the child primarily stays with one parent.

Legal Custody - Usually, the custodial parent shares joint legal custody with the noncustodial parent, meaning that the custodial parent must inform and consult with the noncustodial parent about the child's education, health care, and other concerns.

 

BMenz

*HiS ChAmAoLe GiRL*:

Physical Custody - who the child is physically with. 50/50 is considered joint physical custody while sole physical custody is when the child primarily stays with one parent.

Legal Custody - Usually, the custodial parent shares joint legal custody with the noncustodial parent, meaning that the custodial parent must inform and consult with the noncustodial parent about the child's education, health care, and other concerns.

 

Yes that can be the case for legal custody......IF you were married.

For me, I have both full legal and physical custody because we were not married. Normally, if you were not married you will retain full legal and physical custody unless you choose to set something up with DB