When it comes to child custody, there are two main types you should understand: legal custody and residential custody.
Legal custody refers to a parent’s rights to access important information about their children, such as medical and educational records, and to have input on major decisions that affect their well-being. This includes matters like healthcare, schooling, and other significant life choices.
Residential custody, on the other hand, determines where the children will live on a day-to-day basis. It establishes which parent provides the primary home environment for the children.
In most cases, parents share joint legal custody, meaning both have equal access to important records and share decision-making responsibilities for the children.
When it comes to residential custody, one parent is typically designated as the parent of primary residence, while the other is the parent of alternate residence. This arrangement outlines where the children primarily live and how parenting time is divided.
Understanding the difference between legal and residential custody is essential for creating a parenting plan that supports the best interests of your children while maintaining fairness and cooperation between both parents.
At Townsend, Tomaio & Newmark, LLC, our seasoned divorce and family law attorneys ensure that through the process of resolving your family matter, you feel empowered, not overwhelmed. Providing unwavering support, undivided attention, and unflinching advocacy, our team invests in your cause, working tirelessly to pave your path toward a brighter tomorrow.
