How does physical custody work in a divorce?

Joint physical custody requires parents to share time with their children. It does not need to be a 50-50 split, but if the parents cannot reach an agreement, the courts may impose a schedule. Common arrangements include alternating weeks, months, and/or holidays at each parent’s house.

What does child custody mean in a divorce?

Child custody proceedings are complex, which is why we’ve created this guide to cover: Child custody can refer to where your children will live after divorce (physical custody), or who has the legal right to make decisions about their upbringing (legal custody).

Can a parent have joint custody after a divorce?

This is called joint legal custody. It can take many forms. Just as in an intact marriage, it’s not uncommon for one parent to be the primary caregiver, the same can be true after divorce even if the parents have joint legal custody.

Can a child live with both parents after a divorce?

Physical custody is the right to have your children live with you after a divorce. The right may be shared by both parents in a joint physical custody arrangement or granted to only one parent in a sole physical custody arrangement.

Can a parent share physical custody of a child?

Parents may also share physical custody evenly, or the child may reside with one parent the majority of the time. If the child resides with one parent more often than the other, the home of the parent the child resides with more frequently will generally be considered the child’s primary residence.