Child Custody Definitions (from Washoe County Court website)

Primary Physical Custody - The child physically resides with and spends the great majority of time with one parent, designated as the primary physical custodian, and the other parent has visitation rights and privileges.

Joint Physical Custody - Each parent has significant periods of time with the child (equal time). Joint physical custody does not mean that there will be no child support obligation. Usually there is still a child support obligation of some kind from one parent to the other, depending upon the financial position in which each is left following the divorce.

Sole Physical Custody - Sole physical custody is very seldom granted by the court. Usually, the term is used when one parent is completely out of the child's life, such as in prison, or in circumstances that contact with the non-custodial parent would expose the child to physical danger or abuse. Sole physcial custody does not automatically mean that the non-custodial parent has no specific visitation.

Joint Legal Custody - Both parents equally share the right and responsibility to make decisions about the child's health, education and welfare.

Sole Legal Custody - One parent, alone, has the right and responsibility to make all the decisions about the child's health, education and welfare, without any input from the non-custodial parent. Sole legal custody is only granted in unusual cases and circumstances.