Explanation of Sole Physical Custody:
With this type of child custody, the child physically resides at one location. In most cases, the non-custodial parent is awarded generous visitation rights, including sleepovers.
Pros of Sole Physical Custody:
- The children reside in one, usually permanent, location.
- In many cases, the children are able to continue living in the same location where they resided prior to the divorce or separation.
- This enables the children to continue their established routines regarding schools, neighbors, and friendships.
- The non-custodial parent usually granted liberal visitation rights.
Cons of Sole Physical Custody:
- The children no longer reside with both parents.
- Typically, the children and the non-custodial parent miss one another tremendously.
- It can appear as though the parent who was granted physical custody was deemed a "better parent."
- The non-custodial parent may feel like "just a visitor" in the children's lives.
- Visitation can turn into a form of play time, robbing the children of what it would be like to actually live with the non-custodial parent, sharing everyday chores and responsibilities.
