What is the difference between sole custody and joint custody?

The main difference between sole custody and joint custody in Oregon is which parent is granted the legal authority to make decisions affecting the child. In a sole custody arrangement, one parent is awarded the right to make major decisions about the child’s education, health care, religion, and other important matters. The parent granted sole custody is also usually given physical custody of the child. In a joint custody arrangement, both parents are awarded legal and physical custody, meaning that they both have the legal right to make decisions and the responsibility to provide a home for the child. In Oregon, both parents have to agree on major decisions and the parent who has physical custody must provide the other parent with advance notice about any major decisions. In addition to differing in which parent has the authority to make decisions, sole custody and joint custody also differ in the level of involvement of each parent in the child’s life. With sole custody, one parent will usually be the primary decision-maker and the primary caretaker, with the other parent having limited visitation and involvement. With joint custody, both parents are fully involved in making decisions and in providing care to the child, although one parent may have more frequent or extended visits with the child.

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What is the difference between sole custody and joint custody?

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