Legal vs. Physical Custody

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One of the most difficult matters that must be addressed in divorces where the couple has children is that of custody. The mere concept of not being able to spend as much time with a child as a parent once did can be overwhelming and devastating. Making a custody arrangement is life-changing for the entire family and therefore, deserves the attention of an experienced family law attorney.

There are two types of custody, legal custody and physical custody. Physical custody is pretty self-explanatory. The parent that has physical custody is the one who spends more time with the child. They are typically referred to as the custodial parent and they are often the recipient of child support from the other parent.

Legal custody, on the other hand, is available to both parents. Even if a parent is not granted physical custody, they may be able to be awarded legal custody. Legal custody simply means that the parent is allowed to make decisions about the child’s academic life, social life, religious teachings, medical decisions, and more. This allows a noncustodial parent to still act as a parent, even if they spend less time with the child than the custodial parent gets to.

If you have questions about custody, contact our firm today.

Peter V. Mandi, Esq. is an experienced divorce and family law attorney located in Bohemia, New York. If you require strong and dedicated legal representation in Long Island, New York, contact Peter V. Mandi & Associates, Inc. today for a free consultation.

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