What is primary physical custody?

Primary physical custody refers to the arrangement in which a child resides with one parent for the majority of the time. This parent is typically responsible for the day-to-day care and decision-making for the child, including their daily routine, activities, and well-being. In cases of primary physical custody, the non-custodial parent may have visitation rights or parenting time with the child, but the child's primary residence is with the custodial parent.

Primary physical custody may be determined through a custody agreement between the parents or by a court order, usually in cases where the parents are unable to reach a mutual agreement. The parent with primary physical custody is often awarded child support from the non-custodial parent to help cover the costs of raising the child.

It is important to note that primary physical custody does not necessarily dictate sole legal custody, which refers to the parent who has the authority to make major decisions for the child, such as those related to education, healthcare, and religion. Both parents may share joint legal custody, even if one parent has primary physical custody.