What does a custodial parent do?

The custodial parent typically provides the child’s primary home and cares for their daily physical and emotional needs. When a court gives sole physical or primary custody to a mom or dad, the law considers that parent to be the child’s custodial parent.

What is the difference between custodian and non-custodial parent?

When the child only lives with one parent, in a sole custody arrangement, then the parent with which the child lives is the custodial parent while the other parent is the non-custodial parent. The non-custodial parent may have contact or visitation rights.

What can a non-custodial parent do?

Noncustodial parents do retain some rights, however, such as the following: Being able to access the child’s medical or school records; The right to pay child support payments (in accordance with both the child’s best interest and the parent’s income earnings in mind);

What are the responsibilities of a custodial parent?

The custodial parent would be the main contact for the school the child attends, so might expect to be contacted by the school regarding routine matters. One of the main responsibilities of the custodial parent is to manage the visitation schedule with the non-custodial parent.

What does it mean to be a non custodial parent?

The legal term non-custodial parent refers to the parent that does not have primary physical custody of the child. The non-custodial parent has the right to enjoy time with his or her child, and to take part in the child’s upbringing, unless prohibited by the court.

Who is responsible for physical custody of a child?

If the custodial parent shares legal custody with the other parent, then the custodial parent is responsible for all aspects of physical custody of the child.

Why is it important for non custodial parents to adhere to visitation schedule?

It is extremely important for non-custodial parents to adhere to the visitation schedule set forth by the court. If there is any reason why a non-custodial parent cannot adhere to the visitation schedule, the parent should start by trying to communicate the need for a change with the child’s custodial parent.

Who is the primary custodial parent in a joint custody arrangement?

In 50/50 joint custody arrangements, where physical custody is split equally between both parents, neither parent is established as the primary custodial parent. Both parents have an equal role as a custodial parent in true joint custody arrangement.

Who is a custodial parent in New York City?

Debrina L. Washington is a New York-based family law attorney and writer, who runs her own virtual practice to assist single parents with legal issues. A custodial parent is a primary parent who shares a home with the child.