When it comes to determining a child custody arrangement between you and your former partner, there a number of different structures you might hear discussed. These include the following:
- Physical custody. Joint physical custody arrangements, in which both parents share in having their children spend equal or nearly equal time in their respective homes, are generally reserved for those parents that live relatively close to one other. Sole physical custody is designated when one of the parents has the children living in their homes significantly more time than the other parent.
- Legal custody. This type of custody gives a parent the right to make certain decisions regarding the child’s upbringing. Parents with legal custody have the power to make decisions on where the child will go to school, the child’s religious activities and the types of medical care the child receives, among others. This type of custody is generally shared by the two parents, except in rare situations where the court deems one parent incapable of contributing to those decisions.
Most of the time, family law courts approve custody arrangements that keep both parents at least somewhat involved in raising their kids. Ultimately, however, judges make decisions based on what they believe to be in the best interests of the children involved.
For more information on developing a sound custody arrangement in Minnesota, meet with a skilled family law attorney at Appelhof, Pfeifer & Hart, P.A.