What is the difference between sole decision-making and sole custody?

Sole decision-making grants authority over major choices, while sole custody includes both decision rights and primary physical care Sole decision-making authority specifically refers to one parent's legal right to make important decisions about their child's upbringing, including: Education and school choice Medical and healthcare decisions Religious upbringing Major extracurricular activities Sole custody is a broader arrangement that combines two key elements: exclusive decision-making authority and primary physical custody. This means the custodial parent not only makes major decisions but also provides the main residence where the child lives and spends most of their time. The non-custodial parent may still have visitation rights or parenting time, but does not share in the primary caregiving or decision-making responsibilities.

Sole Custody vs. Decision-Making Authority: Key Differences

Sole decision-making grants authority over major choices, while sole custody includes both decision rights and primary physical care

Sole decision-making authority specifically refers to one parent’s legal right to make important decisions about their child’s upbringing, including:

Education and school choice
Medical and healthcare decisions
Religious upbringing
Major extracurricular activities

Sole custody is a broader arrangement that combines two key elements: exclusive decision-making authority and primary physical custody. This means the custodial parent not only makes major decisions but also provides the main residence where the child lives and spends most of their time. The non-custodial parent may still have visitation rights or parenting time, but does not share in the primary caregiving or decision-making responsibilities.