What is Sole Custody of a Child? 

Sole custody is a type of child custody arrangement where one parent has physical custody of the child. This arrangement can be advantageous or disadvantageous for each parent. Some conditions must be met for sole custody to be granted. Also, there are certain chances that one parent will be awarded sole legal custody and let the family law Attorney’s job. 

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Sole legal custody 

The arrangement where one parent has sole legal and physical custody of a child is known as sole custody. Essentially, this means that one parent has the right to make important decisions about the child’s life. Sole custody is a very popular arrangement and can be an excellent choice for some situations. 

Sole legal custody is a legal arrangement that is used when one parent has the best interests of the child over the other. In cases where the other parent is physically unavailable or unable to make decisions for the child, this type of custody may be the best choice. Other circumstances where sole legal custody is appropriate to include drug abuse, mental illness, and child abuse. Sole legal custody is less common in states that set joint legal custody as the default arrangement. This is because most courts assume that a child should have a relationship with both parents and make decisions together. 

Disadvantages of sole legal custody 

One of the main advantages of sole legal custody of a child is that it allows the parent to have a more consistent and secure relationship with their child. It also allows the parent to protect their child’s needs and interests. In addition, it can be cheaper for both parents. 

Another advantage of sole legal custody is the reduction in conflict between the parents. Going back and forth between parents with radically different parenting styles can be frustrating for the child. Having one parent have sole custody helps create consistency for the child and can prevent a child from having a false impression of the other parent. 

Conditions under which a court may order sole custody 

A parent may request sole custody of a child for a variety of reasons. Such reasons may include the need to protect the child from a parent who is mentally unstable or suicidal. A parent may also be unable to provide for the child’s needs or may have abandoned the child. In these cases, the court may grant sole custody of the child if the parent has made clear and convincing proof of their inability to care for the child. 

Having sole custody of a child can help a parent avoid court battles over the child’s upbringing. If one parent is incarcerated, the child may be at great risk of neglect or abuse. A parent who is in jail cannot provide for the child’s physical and emotional needs. Although he or she may be allowed to visit the child, it is not the best thing for the child to spend time with a parent who is in prison. 

Chances that a parent will be granted sole custody 

The chances that a parent will be granted legal and physical custody of a child depend on several factors. The well-being of the child and the history of violent behavior are important considerations. In some cases, the courts may award sole physical and legal custody to one parent and leave the other parent with visitation rights. 

A parent seeking sole legal custody must prove that their behavior is in the best interest of the child. A parent who is angry with their partner for cheating or leaving the marriage or who simply dislikes his or her partner cannot successfully petition for sole custody of a child. In such cases, it is necessary to hire a qualified attorney to help with the process. 

Conditions under which a parent will be granted sole physical custody 

Sole physical custody is when one parent lives with the child for the majority of the time. The other parent has visitation rights and may visit the child occasionally. A parent with sole physical custody is also called the custodial parent or primary caretaker. This parent is responsible for the child’s daily care and is the one who makes decisions about how they are raised. 

Sole physical custody is different from joint legal custody, where both parents are equally involved and consult. Joint legal custody is similar to sole physical custody but requires that both parents make major decisions for the child. The other parent is still allowed reasonable visitation and decision-making authority.