What is the difference between sole custody and joint custody?

Sole legal custody means one parent alone holds the right and responsibility to make decisions regarding the children’s school, doctors, and general welfare. Joint legal custody means both parents share the decision-making rights and responsibilities. They cooperate on all of the important decision-making.

How does sole custody work in a divorce?

One parent may have legal sole custody rights, but share physical custody through a visitation agreement. One parent may have sole physical custody, but the other parent may share in decisions about the child.

Can a parent have sole physical custody of a child?

One parent may have sole physical custody, but the other parent may share in decisions about the child. It is rare for the courts to award sole physical and legal custody to a parent, unless the court deems that one parent is unfit.

What makes a parent unfit for sole custody?

Examples of what might make a parent unfit include: a history of violence, mental instability, drug or alcohol abuse, or neglect of the child. Even then, visitation rights might be granted under a supervised visitation agreement.

Can a parent give up custody of their child?

In essence, while you can give up your rights as a parent to have custody and/or visitation with your child (by simply not exercising those rights), you cannot give up your responsibility as a parent to financially support your child.

How to get sole custody when your ex is an alcoholic?

It can be difficult to gain sole custody of the children, even if your ex is an alcoholic. Parents must first determine whether they want sole physical custody, sole legal custody, or both. Next they must be able to prove the other parent is an alcoholic, and that their alcoholism is harmful to the children.