Sole custody is a custody arrangement in which one parent has primary or exclusive custody authority under the court order.
In plain language, one parent has the custody rights identified in the order, while the other parent may have visitation, limited rights, or restrictions depending on the case.
Why it matters
Sole custody matters because it can affect decision-making, parenting time, school and medical access, and enforcement. It may be ordered when shared custody is not workable or not in the child’s best interests.
The term should be read carefully because legal custody and physical custody may be treated separately.
Where it appears
Sole custody appears in custody orders, protective-order cases, divorce judgments, parentage cases, modification petitions, and parenting-plan disputes.
Practical example
A court gives one parent sole legal custody to make major medical and education decisions, while the other parent has supervised visitation.
How it differs from nearby terms
Sole custody differs from joint custody, where parents share custody rights.
It also differs from physical custody, which focuses on where the child lives and the parenting-time schedule.
Related terms
Quick knowledge check
Question: What is the basic idea of sole custody?
Answer: One parent has the custody authority identified in the court order, rather than sharing it equally.