Child Custody

Sole custody is when one parent is awarded custody of the child and the full and complete power to make all decisions concerning the child. This is rare and typically happens when the other parent is in prison; addicted to narcotics; or the other parent is absent and has no contact with the child.

This is when the legal custody of the child is granted to both parents jointly. Neither parent has legal custodial rights superior to those of the other parent. An award of joint custody does not necessarily mean that the child must spend equal time with or live with both parents.

Shared care means that legal custody of the child(ren) is given to both parents as joint legal custodians. This means the parties share the parenting time. Neither parent has physical care rights superior to the other parent.