Sole Legal Custody: The parent who is granted sole legal custody is the only parent with the proper authority to make decisions on the child’s behalf.

Joint Legal Custody: However, joint legal custody means both parents are given legal authority to make decisions on the child’s behalf. Parents who potentially share joint legal custody may not have joint physical custody.

Sole Physical Custody: The child physically resides at one location. Typically, the non-custodial parent is granted generous visitation rights such as sleepovers.

Joint Physical Custody: The child lives with both parents, however, splits up the division of residency and time either during the week or year.

Bird’s Nest Custody: Children live in one central location, and the parents rotate in and out of the children’s home on a regular schedule.

Unsupervised Visitation: Parents are able to take children to their own homes or outings during their scheduled visitation (most common type). Limitations for visitation are specified in advance.

Supervised Visitation: A separate, responsible adult will need to be present for the duration of the visit. Circumstances vary, however, the courts may allow the non-custodial parent to choose the individual to supervise.

Virtual Visitation: Specifically, technology-based via video-conferencing can provide a sense of familiarity when parents and children live far apart.