When parents in North Carolina divorce, child custody can be one of the most challenging and difficult things to address. Although there are a variety of arrangements, the two main aspects of child custody are physical custody and legal custody. Legal custody refers to which parent will make the major decisions for the child. It can either be joint or sole. Here are the differences between the two.
Sole custody
When a parent has sole legal custody, he or she can make all the major decisions for the child. These major decisions revolve around things such as education, health care, religion and housing. A parent who has sole legal custody does not have to consult with or take into consideration the wishes of the other parent regarding the children’s upbringing.
Joint custody
Joint custody is far more common than sole custody. With joint custody, the parents make joint decisions about the upbringing of their children. However, with joint custody, both parents must cooperate and communicate effectively to make decisions on major issues such as schooling, religion and medical care.
Help with child custody
Decisions around child custody will have major impacts on the lives of both children and parents for years to come. Parents in North Carolina who have questions or need help with child custody matters may want to consider meeting with a knowledgeable legal professional. An experienced family law attorney can examine the parent’s specific situation and help them determine the next steps they need to take.