What is joint physical custody?

Joint physical custody means both parents can have equal time with their children as a caregiver. Physical custody arrangements spell out where a child lives and the visitation schedule each parent must adhere to. Divorcing parents with this type of custody arrangement cannot attempt to prevent each other from having court-ordered time with the child (ex: keeping the child longer than the agreed-upon time).

If a parent attempts to deny visitation rights at any point, the other parent can file a petition with the court to hold them accountable. It is illegal to deny visitation when there is an active custody order. If you believe your child is in danger in your ex-spouse’s care, you’ll still have to go through the court system to revive their custody.