Child custody can be confusing. There are so many different types of custody that it can be confusing for you to read documents and decipher what these words mean. You may not even know what kind of custody you should be trying to get when you do go to court.

If you want to ensure that your family is not only functional but also happy, these are some things you should know about child custody law.

Sole Custody or Joint Custody?

There are two types of custody you should know about: sole custody and joint custody. In court, you may seek sole custody or joint custody based on your specific situation.

Sole custody occurs when one parent has complete control over the child's wellbeing. One parent makes decisions for the child or has sole physical custody of the children.

Joint custody occurs when both parents have some say in the child's life. Both parents exchange physical custody of the child, for example.

Keep in mind that there can be some mixing. For instance, one parent may have sole physical custody, but together they can have joint legal custody.

So, What Is Legal Custody?

Legal custody is different from physical custody. Legal custody involves the decision-making aspects of the child's life. For example, legal custody gives one or both parents the ability to make healthcare or education decisions for the child you share.

What Is Physical Custody?

Physical custody refers to one or both parents having the child in their care. Both parents may split physical custody when one parent has the child every other weekend, for example. In order to have physical custody, you do not have to split the time equally.

How Will Judges Determine Custody?

Judges determine custody based on a number of factors. The judge always considers the best interests of the child, emotionally and physically.

For example, the judge will consider if the child will have to change school districts in order to be with one parent and how this might impact the child's wellbeing. The judge also considers the child's health, age, and preferences in some cases.

Consult With a Child Custody Attorney

A custody attorney helps you understand the different types of custody and how to move forward after you've decided to set custody parameters. Your attorney will be better able to explain these different types of custody and how you can move forward with your child custody goals.