No two families are exactly alike, so the family law system makes a variety of custody arrangements available to divorcing parents. Whether you and your child custody attorney are negotiating an arrangement or taking the case to court, understanding the options available will help achieve the outcome that’s best for your children. Below are some most important types of custody divorcing parents need to understand.

What Are Some of the Forms of Child Custody?

1. Legal Custody

Under family law, a parent’s right to have a say in how their children are raised is known as legal custody. Even if a judge awards sole custody to one parent, the other will still have legal custody, which means they should be involved in making decisions about their child’s health care, education, and religious upbringing.

2. Sole Custody

In sole custody arrangements, the child lives full-time with one parent, while the other may enjoy visitation privileges. Typically, courts will usually resort to sole custody only if they find one of the parents unfit. When making these decisions, judges will factor in allegations of abuse, certain criminal convictions, a history of drug use, and certain health conditions. However, the non-custodial parent will usually have the right to participate in decisions affecting their children, such as their medical and educational needs.

3. Joint Physical Custody

“Physical custody” describes where a child will live and, consequently, which parent they’ll spend time with. In a joint custody arrangement, children split their time between their respective parent’s houses. Depending on the circumstances, each parent may get their child every other week.

Alternatively, the parents may decide it’s best for their children to live with the one parent during the school year and then spend summers with the other. In most states, including Connecticut, courts assume that maintaining meaningful relationships with both parents is in a child’s best interests, so they’ll usually approve a joint schedule that’s agreed upon by the parents.

If you’re involved in a family law dispute, you can rely on the child custody attorneys at The Law Office of Gregory G. St. John, LLC to take your case. Whether you’re able to negotiate a settlement or are involved in a contentious legal battle, they have the experience and resources to help parents throughout New Haven and Litchfield counties achieve justice. Visit their website for more on their family law services, or call (203) 759-0240 to consult with a respected child custody attorney today.