Sole Physical Custody
In sole physical custody arrangements, the children permanently stay with the custodial parent while the non-custodial parent have regularly scheduled visitation rights. The advantages of this arrangement are that children are permanently residing in a single location. Logistically, this can be less stressful for both the children and the parents, especially when it comes to schools, neighbors, and friendships.3
However, this arrangement is arguably less “equal” than joint physical custody because the children no longer live with the noncustodial parent.3The noncustodial parent may feel like a “visitor” in the children’s lives over time and visitation may seem like playtime rather than meaningful daily bonds.3
Here are a few questions to ask yourself regarding sole physical custody:
- Who will your children permanently stay with?
- Will it be difficult for your children to cope with sole physical custody?
- How important is geographical stability to your children?
- How involved do you want your ex-spouse to be in your children’s child-rearing?