If you’re like most parents in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, your first instinct during a divorce may be to file for full custody. However, this form of custody also has its drawbacks. Before you file for sole physical custody, review the pros and cons to make sure this is the best decision for you and your child.
What happens when you receive full custody?
If you’re awarded full child custody, your child will live with you for over 50% of the time. Your former spouse might be granted visitation rights, but your house will be your child’s permanent home. This can be easier on the child because they don’t have to jump back and forth between houses all the time.
Additionally, this can mean that the child doesn’t have to switch schools or adjust to living in a new state. You’ll also be able to maintain a close relationship with your child and raise them without a lot of interference. If your former spouse still has visitation rights, your child can enjoy a relationship with both parents.
However, receiving sole physical custody has its downsides. Your child might miss their other parent and even say that they want to live with them. Additionally, your former spouse might take advantage of their limited time together to be the “fun” parent. Your child might want to spend more time with their other parent because they don’t make them do chores or schoolwork.
How can you file for sole physical custody?
If you decide that you want to file for sole physical custody, hiring an attorney may be beneficial. An attorney might help you prove that you can provide the best possible home for your child.