Divorce can be a difficult time for all parties involved, especially when it comes time to decide a custody agreement. Without a solid arrangement, relationships between parents and their children can be impacted. It’s important to be educated on the different types of custody to help ensure the best arrangement is made. Here are the different types of custody in Texas.
Sole Custody
Sole custody is where only one parent is given complete legal and physical responsibility of a child. This means that the child resides with that parent full time, and the custodial parent makes all major life decisions, such as medical and school choices. One parent is granted this when the other parent is deemed unfit, which can be for a multitude of reasons.
Full Custody
Full custody is similar to sole, but there is one main difference – a parent with full custody still holds physical and legal custody, but the other parent is granted visitation rights. Sole does not provide these visitation rights.
Split Custody
Split custody is commonly given when parents have two or more children. One parent will have sole custody of one child, and the other parent will have it for the remaining children. Split custody can be ideal if a child does better or has better opportunities with one parent, but it is the least common type of arrangement.
Joint Custody
In joint custody, both parents have custody of all children involved. They share physical and legal responsibility and are equally involved in making important life decisions. A joint situation doesn’t cancel out child support, and oftentimes one parent will still owe the other money. Joint custody is the most common arrangement.
Many factors are considered when it comes time for the court to make a custody arrangement decision. Joint custody tends to be ideal for most parents, but if it’s not in the best interest of the child, the court will base their decision from that. For questions about custody arrangements, contact the professionals at Bineham and Gillen.
