What Is Sole Physical Custody?

Sole physical custody, also known as sole residential custody or sole parenting time, refers to a child custody arrangement where the child primarily lives with and spends the majority of their time with one parent, known as the custodial parent or residential parent.

Sole physical custody, also known as sole residential custody or sole parenting time, refers to a child custody arrangement where the child primarily lives with and spends the majority of their time with one parent, known as the custodial parent or residential parent.

Here’s a breakdown of key aspects:

1. Primary Residence: The child’s primary residence is with the parent who has sole physical custody. This parent is responsible for the day-to-day care of the child, including providing food, shelter, clothing, and supervision.
2. Decision-Making Authority: The parent with sole physical custody usually has the authority to make major decisions regarding the child’s upbringing, such as those related to education, healthcare, and religious upbringing. However, in some cases, major decisions may still require input from the non-custodial parent or may be subject to court approval.
3. Visitation or Parenting Time: The non-custodial parent typically has visitation rights or parenting time with the child according to a court-approved schedule. This schedule may include specified times for the child to spend with the non-custodial parent, such as weekends, holidays, vacations, and other agreed-upon times.
4. Child Support: In many cases of sole physical custody, the non-custodial parent is required to pay child support to the custodial parent to help cover the costs associated with raising the child. Child support payments are often determined based on factors such as each parent’s income, the needs of the child, and the custody arrangement.

It’s crucial to understand that:

• Sole physical custody is not the preferred arrangement in most situations. Courts generally favor joint physical custody, where both parents share significant physical time with the child, as it is generally considered beneficial for the child’s well-being to maintain a relationship with both parents.
• Sole physical custody is typically awarded only in specific circumstances, such as when:
  • There are concerns about the child’s safety or well-being with the non-custodial parent due to factors like abuse, neglect, instability, or substance abuse.
  • One parent lives a significant distance away, making frequent physical co-parenting impractical.
  • Both parents agree to this arrangement and believe it is in the child’s best interests.

It’s important to note that sole physical custody does not necessarily mean that the non-custodial parent is completely excluded from the child’s life. In most cases, courts recognize the importance of maintaining a relationship between the child and both parents, even if one parent has primary physical custody. However, sole physical custody may be awarded if it is determined to be in the best interests of the child based on factors such as the child’s relationship with each parent, the parents’ ability to cooperate and communicate, and any history of domestic violence or substance abuse.