What Does It Mean To Have Legal Custody Of A Child?

Legal Custody

As a Berks County Child Custody Attorney, Joseph A. Guillama is often asked what the difference is between “legal custody” and “physical custody.” Legal custody is defined as being the right to make major decisions on behalf of the child including, but not limited to, medical, religious and educational decisions. When a parent has “legal custody,” they are entitled to have input into and make decisions regarding essentially anything that relates to the welfare of the child. In the overwhelming majority of cases, parents have shared legal custody. This means that both parents have the same rights with regard to making decisions impacting the child’s well-being. Although rare, there are cases in which only one parent has the right to make these decisions. In those cases, that parent is said to have “sole legal custody.”

Should you have any questions about the scope and/or limitations of having “shared legal” or “sole legal” custody, contact Reading Custody Lawyer Joseph A. Guillama.