Along with dividing marital property and dealing with finances or tax issues, a couple going through a divorce must also make decisions on child custody and visitation. This can often be one of the most involved and emotional aspects of any divorce case. That is why it is important to have an experienced lawyer on your side to guide you every step of the way and fight for the custody arrangement you desire. There are generally two types of custody arrangements – sole custody or joint custody – and it is important that you understand the difference so you can determine what is best for you and your child.
If you are currently going through or thinking about divorce, you need a skilled professional on your side to help you work through the division of property, alimony, and most importantly, child custody. Speak with the lawyers of Diggs & Sadler at (713) 766-5355 to get started.
Comparing Joint and Sole Custody
As the names suggest, sole custody is an arrangement where one parent has either complete physical or legal custody of the child. On the other hand, joint custody is where both parents are involved in life and share physical or legal custody. The four common custody arrangements most couples decide on include the following:
- Joint Physical Custody – The child spends a large amount of time with each parent. Typically, this arrangement works when both parents live relatively close to each other.
- Joint Legal Custody – This arrangement gives both parents the right to have a say in the decision making of a child’s life with schooling, religion, etc.
- Sole Physical Custody – In certain situations, a judge can award sole physical custody to one parent. This means the child lives with this parent full-time. In these cases, the non-custodial parent can have visitation rights to see the child.
- Sole Legal Custody – One parent has complete say in the child’s upbringing.
Contact Us
If you have a question about the difference between sole and joint custody and how it applies to your case, contact a lawyer of Diggs & Sadler at (713) 766-5355 today and schedule an initial consultation.