WATCH: How does a joint custody agreement usually work?

Nissa Ricafort answers:

While legal custody refers to a parent’s right to make decisions regarding a child’s education, religious upbringing and medical care, physical custody refers to how a child spends time with her parents.  In determining the best custody arrangement for a family, it is important to consider a child’s relationship with both parents and how a child is used to spending time with both parents. The goal should be to try to allow a child to continue with what she is used to in regards to time with both parents.  

A joint custody physical custody arrangement does not necessarily mean that the parties will be equally sharing parenting time with a child. While it may be an exactly equal parenting time schedule, it may also include a situation where a child spends a significant amount of time with both parents, even if one parent has slightly more parenting time than the parent.   Make sure you thoroughly discuss with your attorney your child’s experience and particular needs when considering the best custody arrangement for you child.