Ask a Miami family lawyer: Understanding different types of child custody

When a couple makes the difficult decision to end a marriage, a number of contentious issues can arise — particularly when children are involved and the two parents can’t easily reach an agreement regarding a custody arrangement. When trying problems arise during divorce proceedings, a Miami family lawyer can prove to be an invaluable ally, advocating on your behalf and ensuring that you reach a favorable outcome that benefits both you and your kids.

In this post, we’ll outline the different types of custody, which your Miami family lawyer can help you better understand:

Joint custody – In this type of agreement, “parents share the decision-making responsibilities for, and/or physical control and custody of, their children,” states online legal resource Nolo.com.

Legal custody – A parent who is granted legal custody is obligated to make essential decisions about his or her children’s schooling, health, religion and overall well-being. In many cases, parents are given joint legal custody, meaning they both must have a say in these issues.

Physical custody – This dictates which parent the child will live with, and, like legal custody, it’s not uncommon for parents to be awarded joint physical custody.

Sole custody – In certain scenarios in which one of the parents is deemed unfit due to problems such as abuse or drug and alcohol addiction, the other parent will be given “sole legal custody or sole physical custody of a child,” says the source.

If you’re filing for divorce in the Sunshine State, contact Scott A. Ferris, Esq., a Miami family lawyer who prides himself on being available to his clients whenever they need him. Contact him today at 305-670-3330.