What are the different types of custody?

Legal custody: The right to make major decisions on behalf of the child, including, but not limited to, medical, religious and educational decisions.

Shared legal custody: The right of more than one individual to legal custody of the child.

Sole legal custody: The right of one individual to exclusive legal custody of the child.

Physical custody: The actual physical possession and control of a child.

Partial physical custody: The right to assume physical custody of the child for less than a majority of the time.

Primary physical custody: The right to assume physical custody of the child for the majority of time.

Shared physical custody: The right of more than one individual to assume physical custody of the child, each having significant periods of physical custodial time with the child.

Sole physical custody: The right of one individual to exclusive physical custody of the child.

Supervised physical custody: Custodial time during which an agency or an adult designated by the court or agreed upon by the parties monitors the interaction between the child and the individual with those rights.

Relocation: A change in a residence of the child which significantly impairs the ability of a nonrelocating party to exercise custodial rights.

Note: The above definitions are taken from 23 Pa.C.S. § 5322(a).

Show All Answers

1. What are the different types of custody?
2. Do I need to have an attorney to file for custody?
3. How do I file for custody or visitation?
4. How much does it cost to file for custody?
5. What if I cannot afford the filing fees?
6. Why is my case scheduled for a conference, not a hearing?
7. What happens when a custody agreement is reached?
8. What happens when the parties cannot agree?
9. I already have a custody order. How do I make changes to it?
10. The other party is not following the Order. How do I enforce it?
11. Where can I find additional information regarding child custody?
12. Where can I get legal assistance?
13. Where can I find information about Parenting Classes?
14. Could I see the steps in the Custody Process laid out in an easy to understand way?