What is the difference between joint and sole legal custody?

Joint legal custody and sole legal custody are two different types of legal custody in Florida. Legal custody is the authority to make decisions for a child on important matters such as education, health, and welfare. Joint legal custody is when both parents share legal custody of the child. This means that both parents have an equal say in making decisions for the child. The parents must be able to work together in order for joint legal custody to be successful. Even when joint legal custody is in place, one parent may still be awarded primary physical custody, which means they are the primary caretaker of the child. Sole legal custody, on the other hand, is when one parent has the exclusive authority to make decisions about a child’s education, health, and welfare. The other parent might not have a say in these matters, unless they are granted visitation. Parents who have sole legal custody are solely responsible to make decisions for the child. In Florida, joint legal custody is usually preferred when both parents are able and willing to put aside their differences and make decisions together on behalf of the child. However, if the parents cannot work together or if one parent is deemed unfit, sole legal custody may be granted.

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What is the difference between joint and sole legal custody?

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