What Is Shared Custody?

Shared custody, sometimes referred to as joint custody, is when both parents equally share parenting time and legal custody of their mutual children. It’s a common issue negotiated in many marriage dissolutions. Though even parents who were never married sometimes need a lawyer to help them negotiate shared custody of a child.

Custody negotiations are often emotionally charged, with life-altering implications for your child. In a time like this, you need the steady hand of an experienced attorney helping you navigate through the process.

We can help you understand the differences between joint legal custody, physical custody, and how it affects other things such as parenting time.

What Is Physical Custody?

Physical custody is the term used to describe how much time a child spends with each parent. In many, but not all cases, physical custody and joint custody are shared.

Several factors influence the percentage of physical custody parenting time each parent is entitled to. The distance between each parent’s primary residence and the child’s school, the distance between a parent’s work and home, and the financial ability to support the child all play a role in determining physical custody.

How the Courts Determine Child Custody

If both parents cannot agree to terms, a judge will determine child custody based on the age of each child, any special needs and health of all the children the parents share. This will also include assessing the emotional ties between each parent and each individual child. A judge will also consider the child’s established ties each child has to their school, home, and community.