In Kentucky, the custodial determination pertains to parental decision making for the children. In other words, custodial rights determine a parent’s ability to make decisions, jointly or solely regarding the children’s upbringing. This is distinguished from parenting time (visitation) – the amount of time each parent spends with the children.

Parents who are awarded joint custody continue to share in decision making regarding the children’s education, religious training, medical treatment and the like on an equal basis. Joint custodians may share parenting time (visitation) in an equal manner, or one parent may have the vast majority of the parenting time. The key is decision making. Joint custodians must jointly raise their children. In other words, joint custodians must converse about and agree on all major decisions.

Joint custody is often confused with shared parenting arrangements whereby the children split their time between the parents’ homes. While shared parenting schedules are often exercised by joint custodians, the parenting time and custodial rights are separate legal concepts.

To learn more about sole vs. joint custody in Kentucky, contact our child custody attorneys and request a consultation. The first consultation with an associate or senior attorney is always FREE.