Frequently Asked Questions
We know family law can feel overwhelming—and sometimes, just getting clear answers makes all the difference. Below you’ll find thoughtful responses to the questions we hear most often, designed to help you feel informed, prepared, and empowered as you move forward.
What is the difference between legal custody and physical custody?
People use these terms interchangeably all the time, but they're actually answering two different questions.
- Legal custody is about decision-making authority. It covers the big stuff, education, healthcare, and religious upbringing, and it can be held solely by one parent or jointly by both.
- Physical custody is about where your child actually lives day to day. It determines the residential schedule and who's handling daily care at any given time.
You can have joint legal custody with one parent holding primary physical custody, or any combination of the two. Neither one automatically comes with the other. Your parenting plan should spell out both clearly, because vague language here is where a lot of future arguments start.
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