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

Sole custody is when one parent has legal and physical custody of a child. This parent has the authority to make all major decisions regarding the child’s health, education, and welfare. In Michigan, the parent with sole custody is often referred to as the “custodial parent”. Shared custody is when both parents have legal and physical custody of a child. In Michigan, each parent must sign a Shared Custody Agreement to define what roles and responsibilities they will have. This agreement must also include how often the child will be with each parent. Shared custody is typically only available when both parents are fit and willing to care for the child. If both parents are unable to agree on a shared custody agreement, the court may order sole custody instead. The main difference between sole and shared custody is the level of involvement of both the mother and father in a child’s life. In sole custody, the custodial parent is the primary caregiver and decision maker, while in shared custody, both parents are involved in the child’s life. It is important to note that child support usually depends on the custody arrangement. In some cases, the custodial parent might not even receive child support. Therefore, it is important that a parent consider all of the options before settling on a custody arrangement.

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

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