What is the difference between joint and sole custody?

Attorney answers (2)

1. Licensed in AZ

   

   Jeff BiddlePro

   Mesa Child Custody Lawyer

   Contributor Level 16

   

   EmailVisit website

   Best Answer

   chosen by asker

   Answered June 09, 2010 01:14. Mr. Cord is correct if the case and custody determination is being made in Arizona. Texas has different laws and may have different definitions for "joint custody" and "sole custody". Also keep in mind whether you are speaking about physical custody or legal custody. While Arizona doesn't have a "joint physical custody" determination, I have seen it in other states as a way of indicating equal parenting time and sole physical custody would mean that the sole custodian is the parent that has the kids more often. Legal custody, however, likely deals with decision making like it does in Arizona. You should contact a Texas attorney to clarify with them.

   • Mark as helpful
   • Flag
2. Licensed in AZ

   

   Mark CordPro

   Scottsdale Child Custody Lawyer

   Contributor Level 10

   

   EmailVisit website

   Answered June 07, 2010 13:57. The short answer is: A sole custodian makes the major decisions affecting the children - medical, religious, educational, and social. Joint custodians make those decisions jointly with the judge calling any ties.

   • Mark as helpful
   • Flag