Full custody grants one parent complete legal and physical rights over a child’s care and upbringing

Full custody (also called sole custody) means one parent has exclusive authority over both the daily care and major life decisions for their child. This comprehensive arrangement includes:

• Legal custody rights – authority over decisions about education, healthcare, religion, and other significant matters
• Physical custody rights – responsibility for the child’s day-to-day care, housing, and routine activities
• Primary residence – the child lives mainly or exclusively with the custodial parent

While the non-custodial parent may retain visitation rights (also called access or parenting time), they do not have legal authority to make important decisions about the child’s upbringing. Full custody arrangements are typically granted when courts determine this serves the child’s best interests.