What are the different types of physical custody one can have – and what do they mean?
Shared custody – Parents can share physical custody – where the parents essentially share access to the children. This can sometimes be difficult for children (transitioning between two homes on a regular basis) and can implicate whether or not full child support should be awarded. The benefits are that it maximizes contact between the children and each parent. Primary residence – this is where the children reside in one person’s home primarily. The school district for the children is through the primary residential parent’s residence. The children have access to the other parent – sometimes on alternating weekends and for dinner once or twice a week. A benefit of working out custody and access collaboratively is that no one knows the schedule of the family better than the parties themselves, and they can fashion one that works best for everyone.