Are There Different Kinds of Child Custody?

There are two different kinds of child custody - physical and legal. Physical means where and with who(m) the minor child will actually physically reside or live with. Legal means the decision-making authority of the parents over the minor child's welfare, for instance, input in major areas like education, medical treatment, religion, etc.

The judge has the discretion based on the best interests of the child as to what type of physical custody the parties will be awarded. It can vary from sole, joint, primary, secondary, and custodial time/visitation. Likewise the judge can determine what type of legal custody is appropriate either sole or joint.