What is the difference between sole and shared custody of children?

Sole custody of children involves one parent having complete legal and physical custody of a child. This parent is responsible for making all legal and practical decisions regarding the care and wellbeing of the child, including decisions related to education, health care, and any other important matters. This parent also has the child living with them most of the time, which may include visitation rights with the other parent. Shared custody, or joint custody, of a child is when both parents share legal and physical custody of the child. This arrangement involves both parents having equal legal rights and responsibilities related to making decisions regarding the wellbeing of a child, as well as a division of parenting time. For example, a parent with shared custody may have the child living with them for part of the week and the other parent during the rest of the week. In Florida, a parent may petition the court for either sole or shared custody of their child depending on the circumstances of their case. The court will make its decision based on the best interests of the child, considering factors such as the relationship between the child and each parent, the child’s current living situation, and the wishes of both parents.

Related FAQs

What is an income withholding order for child support?
What is the difference between child support and child maintenance?
What is the effect of disability on a child support order?
Can a grandparent be responsible for paying child support?
How does child support payments change if a parent gets a raise?
Are child support payments enforceable by law?
What factors must be considered when calculating child support payments?
What is a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO)?
What happens if a parent receiving child support moves out of state?
What happens if a parent receiving child support dies?

What is the difference between sole and shared custody of children?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts