Legal vs. physical custody
Legal custody is the right to make major decisions about a child’s education, health, and religion. Physical custody determines where the child lives day to day.
The best-interests standard
Every state decides custody based on the child’s best interests, considering stability, each parent’s involvement, the child’s needs, and sometimes the child’s preferences.
Parenting plans
A parenting plan sets the schedule for weekdays, weekends, holidays, and vacations, and how parents will communicate and resolve disputes.
Rules differ by state. Find your state’s guide.
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