Legal Information: California

Custody

View all
Updated: 
September 12, 2023

What is sole custody?

Sole custody means that you don’t share custody with anyone else. When each parent wants sole custody, one of the factors the judge will consider is which parent is more likely to allow the child frequent and continuing contact with the non-custodial parent.1

Sole legal custody is when only one of the parents has the right and responsibility to make major decisions concerning the child relating to the health, education, and welfare of a child.2 You do not have to discuss your decisions with the other parent.

Sole physical custody is when only one parent is responsible for the physical care and supervision of the child.3 The non-custodial parent usually will have visitation privileges.

1 Ann.Cal.Fam.Code § 3040(a)(1)
2 Ann.Cal.Fam.Code § 3006
3 Ann.Cal.Fam.Code § 3007

Legal Information

WomensLaw serves and supports all survivors, no matter their sex or gender.

© 2008–2023 WomensLaw.org is a project of the National Network to End Domestic Violence, Inc. All rights reserved. This website is funded in part through a grant from the Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. Neither the U.S. Department of Justice nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse, this website (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies, and any services or tools provided). NNEDV is a 501©(3) non-profit organization; EIN 52-1973408.