Is joint physical custody the same as joint legal custody?

No, joint physical custody and joint legal custody are not the same. Joint physical custody means that the child lives with both parents for a certain amount of time. Joint legal custody, on the other hand, refers to the decision-making rights of both parents in regards to the child’s welfare. In California, there is a preference for joint legal custody so that both parents can make decisions about the health, education, and welfare of the child. This means that both parents will actively participate in the decisions that shape the child’s future. However, if the parents cannot agree on decisions, then one parent will make the final decision and the other parent will have to abide by it. Joint physical custody, on the other hand, is not necessarily a custody type in California. Instead, it is more of a parenting time arrangement where the child will spend a significant portion of time with both parents. It also includes how the parents will divide holidays, birthdays, and other special occasions. Furthermore, it establishes which parent will make decisions for the child when the child is with that parent. In conclusion, joint physical custody and joint legal custody are two different concepts. Joint legal custody ensures that both parents have an equal say in the decisions that affect the child, while joint physical custody refers to the division of parenting time.

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Is joint physical custody the same as joint legal custody?

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