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Types of Child Custody

Overview:

Types of custody: Full, sole, joint, primary & more
There are many types of child custody. Use this overview to help you make sense of them and figure out the type you want to pursue in court.

Joint custody:

Joint legal custody
Joint legal custody defined. How it works and when it works.

Joint physical custody
When parents should have joint physical custody. With schedule examples.

The basics of shared custody
Find out whether shared parenting (also called joint custody) is the right option for you.

Joint child custody: Pros and cons
Joint child custody is when both parents can make decisions for the child or when they share physical custody. Weigh the pros and cons before choosing a joint custody arrangement.

Equal shared parenting: Pros & cons of 50/50 custody
Everything you need to know about sharing custody equally. Pros and cons of 50/50 custody, example parenting time schedules, parenting plan rules and more.

Sole custody:

Sole legal custody
Everything you need to know about sole legal custody, including its advantages and disadvantages.

Sole physical custody
When parents should have a sole physical custody arrangement and examples of sole custody visitation schedules.

Why you probably shouldn't fight for sole custody
Except in extreme circumstances, like if your spouse has violent tendencies, you might want to skip the push for sole physical custody.

Sole custody agreements: Proving your case
You should seek sole custody if the other parent poses a threat to your child's welfare. The following tips will help you make your case in court.

Split custody:

Split custody
When parents should have a split custody arrangement and how to make it work.

Bring calm to co‑parenting. Agree on a schedule and plan. Be prepared with everything documented.

Make My Plan

Examples:

Schedules:
50/50, 60/40, 70/30, 80/20

Long distance schedules

Third party schedules

Holidays

Summer break

Parenting provisions

Scheduling:

How to make a schedule

Factors to consider

Parenting plans:

Making a parenting plan

Changing your plan

Interstate, long distance

Temporary plans

Guides by location:

Parenting plans

Scheduling guidelines

Child support calculators

Age guidelines:

Birth to 18 months

18 months to 3 years

3 to 5 years

5 to 13 years

13 to 18 years

Terminology:

Joint physical custody

Sole physical custody

Joint legal custody

Sole legal custody

Product features:

Software overview

Printable calendars

Parenting plan templates

Journal what happens

Expense sharing

Parenting time tracking

Calculate time & overnights

Ways to use:

Succeed by negotiating

Prepare for mediation

Get ready for court