Child custody can be a contentious issue during and outside of divorce proceedings. When Pennsylvania parents share children, then can disagree about how best to meet and serve the needs of their offspring. Often their legal matters end up in the courts of the state.
Custody in Pennsylvania can concern two types of parental duties: legal and physical. This informational post will offer an overview of these forms of custody. When readers have questions about any aspects of child custody, however, they are encouraged to seek case-specific help from their trusted legal advisors.
Physical custody
Physical custody is the form of custody many individuals think of when discussing child custody. If a parent has physical custody of their child, then they have possession and control of their child. A parent who has physical custody of their child may have their child living under their roof. Parents can be awarded sole physical custody of their kids, or they may share physical custody with their co-parents.
Legal custody
Legal custody does not concern where a child lives, but rather who may make decisions about their upbringing. Topics of consideration for parents who have legal custody of their kids can include but are not limited to:
- Educational concerns
- Medical needs
- Religious affiliations
Like physical custody, legal custody can be shared between parents or can be given exclusively to one of a child’s parents.
It is important that parents understand the specific facts and circumstances of their own child custody matters. Just as families can be very different, child custody legal matters can be different with their own diverse resolutions. Family law lawyers can help those with outstanding child custody questions.
