What does “physical custody” mean?

Physical custody addresses the period of time each party will have the minor child in his or her physical custody. A court order for joint physical custody means both parties have significant periods of physical custody so that the child has frequent and continuing contact with both parties. Joint physical custody does not necessarily mean that the parties have a 50/50 custody arrangement. A court order for sole physical custody means the child resides with and is under the supervision of one party, subject to the power of the court to order visitation rights to the other party.