How does legal custody differ from physical custody?

Legal custody pertains to the authority to make significant decisions regarding a child's upbringing, including matters related to education, healthcare, religion, and general welfare. When one parent has legal custody, they have the right to make these critical decisions, and in some cases, both parents may hold joint legal custody, which requires them to collaborate on these important choices affecting the child's life.

In contrast, physical custody refers specifically to where the child lives and the day-to-day care they receive. Therefore, the distinction lies in the scope of rights and responsibilities. Legal custody focuses on the decision-making aspect, while physical custody deals with the child's residence and daily interactions.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of legal custody. Shared parenting plans can be a feature of physical custody arrangements rather than being strictly related to legal custody. Legal custody is not limited to mothers; both parents can share legal custody irrespective of gender. Lastly, while legal custody may impact visitation rights indirectly, it does not directly determine them, as visitation rights typically arise from physical custody arrangements rather than legal custody.