If you're involved in a divorce with minor children, it's important to understand child custody law and how it affects your circumstances. Since courts and attorneys use the terms legal and physical custody frequently, here's what you should know about the difference between them. 

What Is Legal Custody?

Under Tennessee child custody law, legal custody means a parent has the final decision-making authority regarding significant issues in their children's lives, including medical care, religious upbringing, choice of schools, and involvement in extracurricular activities. Courts can split the authority between parents or award all authority to one parent, which is sole legal custody.

What Is Physical Custody?

Physical custody addresses with whom the child lives. With joint physical custody, the child lives with one parent at a time, such as living with each during alternate weeks or months. If the court awards sole physical custody to one parent, the other parent usually gets visitation rights.

How Do Tennessee Courts Decide Custody Arrangements? 

Child custody law decisions are based on what is in the best interest of the child. Generally, judges favor joint custody so children can enjoy balanced relationships with both parents. 

Before making a decision, Tennessee courts consider several factors, including evidence of domestic violence, child abuse or neglect, and each parent's physical and mental capacity to care for their child's specific needs. Parents seeking joint custody should be able to cooperate with each other in decision-making for the child's benefit.

When you need help resolving child custody issues, seek counsel from Castles Family Law. Whether you live in the Nashville or Franklin, TN, areas, these child custody law attorneys are ready to offer skilled and compassionate representation. For more information about their family law practice, visit their website. Call (615) 804-6086 today to schedule a free consultation.