What does sole legal custody mean for the Other parent? The one without legal custody?

I want to petition for sole legal custody of our 2 daughters. This sounds scary to him and I have been unable to find any answers as to what his rights would be if this is granted. He and I get along. I don't want to keep him from any of their information or from access to them whenever he wants. But I want to be able to make all these decisions without having to get his approval. I would absolutely consult with him and take his opinion into consideration, but I want to ultimately be able to move on my choices independently. Will he need my permission to travel outside the country with them? Is this something that is stipulated in the custody order? Will he have a problem when he takes them to the doctor in my stead? Thanks for your help.

Veritas et Aequitas (ï£¿)

Sole Custody

One parent can have either sole legal custody or sole physical custody of a child. Courts generally won't hesitate to award sole physical custody to one parent if the other parent is deemed unfit -- for example, because of alcohol or drug dependency, a new partner who is unfit, or charges of child abuse or neglect.

However, in most states, courts are moving away from awarding sole custody to one parent and toward enlarging the role a divorced father plays in his children's lives. Even where courts do award sole physical custody, the parties often still share joint legal custody, and the noncustodial parent enjoys a generous visitation schedule. In that situation, the parents would make joint decisions about the child's upbringing, but one parent would be deemed the primary physical caretaker, while the other parent would have visitation rights.

It's understandable that there may be animosity between you and your ex-spouse. But it's best not to seek sole custody unless the other parent causes direct harm to the children. Even then, courts may simply allow supervised visitation, while still ordering joint legal custody.

Rjr R

It means he would have no rights.

quizzard123

The custody order can state whatever you agree upon. You can stipulate visitation rights. Things like travel and doctors will require your written permission, but even that can be written into the order, especially if you both agree. You could, for instance, stipulate that he may travel with your permission "which will not unreasonably be withheld".

timothy p

sole legal custody would leave him with very few rights. I have sole legal custody of my children. It is usually only done for their protection from an abusive , drug addict... Why would you not want him to have any say? You would not have to consult him for all decisions with joint legal custody anyway. You can take them to the doctor now without any consultation...
Sorry, but I don't understand why you would want to take all of his parental rights away unless absolutely necessary? What if something happens to you and he can't make a decision?

Tiffany

I do believe that sole custody means your husband wouldn't legally be able to have the children. (I think).

I found a website here that shows you all the forms of custody and what they mean! http://www.childcustodycoach.com/physical-custody.html

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