Please note that these answers are not legal advice. If you’re in need of legal advice or a lawyer please visit our Expert Guide
Yes, you can have joint legal custody while having sole physical custody of your kids. Here’s what that means:
Joint Legal Custody:
Both parents share decision-making responsibilities for major aspects of the child's life—like education, medical care, and religious upbringing.
You and your ex would both have the right to be involved in these big decisions, regardless of where the child lives.
Sole Physical Custody:
Your children live with you full-time.
The other parent may have visitation rights, but the primary residence is yours.
You handle the day-to-day decisions, routines, and activities.
Why This Arrangement Happens:
It allows both parents to stay involved in important decisions without disrupting the child's living stability.
Courts may opt for this if one parent’s living situation is unstable, far away, or unable to support full-time care, but they still want them involved in the child’s life.
Example Scenario:
You decide where your child lives, goes to school, and their daily routine.
Both you and your ex discuss major decisions like medical treatments or school changes.
Visitation Considerations:
Your ex may have scheduled visitations—weekends, holidays, or school breaks.
The specifics are typically outlined in a parenting plan.
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