What distinguishes physical custody from legal custody?

Physical custody specifically refers to where and with whom the child lives on a day-to-day basis. This aspect of custody deals with the physical presence of the child and involves the actual living arrangements and care of the child. When one parent has physical custody, it generally means that the child resides primarily with that parent, though both parents may have some involvement in the child's life depending on the specifics of the custody arrangement.

In contrast, legal custody involves the rights and responsibilities of parents when it comes to making important decisions about the child's upbringing, including education, health care, and religious instruction. Legal custody is about who has the authority to make these significant decisions, rather than where the child physically resides.

Other options do not accurately describe the definitions of physical and legal custody. Understanding this distinction is crucial for navigating custody arrangements and ensuring that both the living situation of the child and the decision-making authority are clearly defined in family law contexts.