Determining parental responsibilities for children after marital separation involves considering the child’s best interests. This encompasses physical care (where the child lives) and legal decision-making (regarding education, healthcare, and religion). For example, one parent might have primary physical custody while both share joint legal custody, or one parent could hold sole custody encompassing both aspects.
A well-crafted parenting plan, outlining these responsibilities, provides stability and predictability for children, reducing the emotional toll of divorce. Historically, maternal preference was common, but modern family law emphasizes individualized assessments focusing on each parent’s capacity to nurture and provide for the child. This evolution reflects a growing understanding of the importance of both parents’ involvement in a child’s life.