What is a custodial parent?

A custodial parent is a parent who has been awarded primary physical custody of a child by a court following a divorce or separation. This means the child primarily lives with this parent and they are responsible for the child's day-to-day care and supervision.

Key responsibilities of a custodial parent often include:

• Providing a stable and nurturing home%20environment.
• Making decisions regarding the child's education, healthcare, and general welfare, though significant decisions may require consultation with the non-custodial%20parent depending on the specific court order.
• Ensuring the child attends school and receives necessary medical care.
• Facilitating visitation with the non-custodial parent according to the court's parenting%20plan or order.
• Communicating with the non-custodial parent about important matters concerning the child.

While the custodial parent has primary physical custody, both parents generally retain legal%20custody, which means they both have the right to make important decisions about the child's life. The specific rights and responsibilities of a custodial parent are defined by the court order and may vary depending on the jurisdiction and the individual circumstances of the case. Furthermore, the custodial parent may receive child%20support payments from the non-custodial parent to help cover the costs of raising the child.