Child Custody and Visitation

Physical custody refers to where the child lives. Physical custody is further defined by the amount of time each party has with the minor child. A party may have primary physical custody, partial custody, shared custody, or visitation. Legal custody is the right to make decisions that impact the minor child, including decisions regarding education, religion, and medical care. A court may impose a variety of combinations of these two types of custody to best suit the needs of the children.

Child custody and visitation decisions are some of the most important aspects of a divorce proceeding for individuals with children. In determining how parental responsibilities are to be shared, a couple must determine:

• The primary and custodial residence of the children
• The legal and physical custody of the children
• Visitation rights