A Family Law Attorney

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

Physical Custody

As a Berks County Child Custody Lawyer, Joseph A. Guillama is often asked what the difference is between “legal custody” and “physical custody.” “Physical custody” simply refers to a parent’s physical possession and control of a child. When a parent has “partial physical custody,” that means that parent has the right to assume physical custody of the child for less than a majority of the time. It also means that the parent has the right to take the child away from the other parent for various periods of time. When a parent has “primary physical custody,” then that means that parent has the right to assume physical custody of the child for the majority of the time. There are cases when parents equally share time with their children. In most situations, the parents are said to have “shared physical custody.”

If you have any questions about the nuances between “legal custody,” “physical custody,” “partial physical custody,” “shared physical custody” and “primary physical custody,” feel free to contact Reading Custody Lawyer Joseph A. Guillama.