Protecting What Matters Most

Why legal custody is as important as physical custody for parents

On Behalf of | Feb 27, 2022 | Child Custody

When people share children, their relationship even if not in a romantic capacity. Both committed romantic couples and married spouses may eventually end their relationships with each other. If they share children, however, they will likely continue to see one another for the rest of their lives.

Negotiating custody arrangements is often the biggest concern during a breakup or divorce involving parents with minor children. For many parents, the main concern is securing shared physical custody. However, you need to also consider legal custody for your children because it can be very important to their well-being and your relationship with them.

What is legal custody?

Physical custody refers to your parenting time, as well as the obligation to meet the basic needs of the children. When you have physical custody, you must provide your children with food and shelter.

Legal custody is what gives you the right to make decisions about your children, such as what school they attend or what medical care they receive. Obviously, it is important to secure adequate parenting time in a New York custody dispute, but that is not the only concern.

Asking for shared legal custody as well can be very important. It allows you to make decisions about medical care during your parenting time or have a say about big changes in your children’s lives. Especially for those with strong religious beliefs or big plans for their children’s future, securing legal custody is very important.

Learning more about the basics of shared custody in New York can help you better advocate for yourself and your children.

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