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

Sole and shared custody of children are two different types of child custody arrangements available in Pennsylvania. Sole custody means that one parent has the right to make all major decisions about the child, such as educational decisions, and has the primary right to spend time with the child. Shared custody is an arrangement in which both parents share in the rights and responsibilities of making major decisions about the child and spending time with the child. In a sole custody arrangement, the parent with sole custody is usually referred to as the ‘custodial parent’ and the parent without custody is referred to as the ‘non-custodial parent’. The non-custodial parent may still be required to pay child support to the custodial parent, depending on the court’s rulings. In shared custody, both parents are considered to be ‘custodial parents’. This means both parents are equally responsible for making decisions about the child’s education, religious upbringing, welfare, and other matters. Both parents also share in spending time with the child, although the exact times may vary depending on what is specified in the court order. Child support payments may be reduced or not required at all for shared custody arrangements, depending on the court’s ruling.

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

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