What distinguishes sole custody from joint custody?

Sole custody is characterized by the granting of full custody to one parent, which means that this parent has both physical and legal custody of the child. In this arrangement, the sole custodial parent has the authority to make all decisions regarding the child's upbringing, including educational, medical, and religious decisions, without needing to consult the other parent. This arrangement is distinct from joint custody, where both parents share the responsibilities and decision-making regarding the child, allowing them to work together in the child's best interests.

Joint custody can refer to situations in which parents jointly share physical custody, meaning the child spends time living with both parents, as well as legal custody, where they collaborate on the significant issues affecting the child's life. The option accurately captures the fundamental difference between the two custody types: sole custody is about one parent having full authority, whereas joint custody emphasizes shared control and collaborative decision-making.

Understanding this distinction is crucial for legal practitioners and individuals navigating custody arrangements, as it directly affects parenting rights, responsibilities, and the overall involvement of both parents in their child's life.