Custody 101 – Understanding Your Options

By Hampton Pigott Staff
Posted on 6-1-2025

Let’s face it—nothing wracks your brain more than trying to figure out custody arrangements. At Hampton & Pigott, we know this part of family law can feel like a maze wrapped in emotions and paperwork. So, let’s break down the most common types of custody arrangements in plain English—and show you how our experienced attorneys can help make the path forward as smooth as possible.

Legal Custody: Who Gets to Make the Big Decisions?

Legal custody refers to who has the right to make important decisions about your child’s upbringing—like education, healthcare, and religion.

• Joint Legal Custody: Both parents make decisions together. This is the most common arrangement and encourages cooperation (or at least a lot of well-documented texts).
• Sole Legal Custody: One parent makes the decisions. Usually happens when one parent is unavailable, unfit, or the two simply cannot agree on anything—including what’s for dinner.

How we help: We’ll work to ensure the legal custody arrangement reflects what’s best for your child—while protecting your rights and keeping the drama to a minimum.

Physical Custody: Where Does the Child Live?

This one's all about the day-to-day. Physical custody refers to where the child primarily resides and which parent handles their daily needs.

• Joint Physical Custody: The child splits time between both parents' homes. Doesn’t have to be a 50/50 split—it just means both parents get regular, meaningful time.
• Sole Physical Custody: The child lives primarily with one parent, and the other typically has scheduled visitation rights.

Pro Tip: Courts prioritize stability, so even joint arrangements often have one “primary residence” for school and routine purposes.

How we help: Our lawyers advocate for a schedule that keeps your child grounded and secure—while making sure you get the time you need to be the awesome parent you are.

Parenting Time & Visitation: The Customizable Bits

Even if one parent has sole physical custody, the other can still have parenting time—also known as visitation. This can be:

• Scheduled: A detailed plan (e.g., weekends, holidays, summers)
• Reasonable: Flexible but requires strong communication between parents
• Supervised: Used when safety or well-being is a concern

How we help: We’ll work with you to create a parenting plan that fits your family’s unique dynamic—whether it’s alternating holidays or weekly movie nights.

What If Things Change Later?

Life happens. People move, schedules shift, teenagers turn into nocturnal creatures. The good news? Custody arrangements can be modified if there's a significant change in circumstances.

How we help: Whether you're seeking more time, facing relocation, or addressing concerns with the current plan, Hampton & Pigott can guide you through the modification process with care and confidence.

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So, Why Hire Hampton & Pigott?

In short, because your family deserves more than just a generic legal strategy. At Hampton & Pigott, we take the time to understand your situation, explain your options clearly (no legal mumbo jumbo), and advocate fiercely for what’s best for your child.

Whether you're going through a divorce, facing a custody dispute, or need help modifying an agreement, we’re here for you—judgment-free, detail-focused, and always in your corner.

Ready to get clarity and peace of mind?

Give us a call or drop by our office. We’ll help you sort through the details, make smart decisions, and feel human again—even in the middle of a custody battle.

Your family. Your future. Handled with care at Hampton & Pigott!