What is joint physical custody?

Joint physical custody is a form of custody in Texas family law that allows both parents to have an equal stake in the physical care of their children. When parents have joint physical custody, the children must spend an equitable (fair) amount of time with each parent. This means that, depending on the specific court-ordered parenting plan, the children would spend certain days and weeks with one parent, and other days and weeks with the other parent. Joint physical custody is intended to ensure that both parents are able to have meaningful and consistent relationships with their children after a divorce. This type of plan works best when the parents are able to cooperate and communicate effectively, and when the children are not placed in the middle of their parents’ disputes. When joint physical custody is ordered by the court, the parents must usually create a written parenting plan that outlines the details of how their custody arrangement will work. The plan will typically include information about where the children will live, how visits will be monitored, how school and extracurricular activities will be managed, and how other aspects of parenting will be shared.

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What is joint physical custody?

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