Is Sole Custody in Divorce Better than Joint?

Certanly, joint custody in divorce does not mean that you and the other parent will always come to an agreement regarding every decision about your child. It's normal when disagreements occur regarding some issues, the parent with control of more property or income may make final decisions regarding finances. The primary residential parent will make final decision on other issues concerning the child. But it is each parent’s right to take a decision to court if he or she believes that it is what would be better for his or her child.

On the other side, sole custody in divorce may be awarded to one party if both parents have trouble in communication with each other and have difficulty understanding each other's beliefs.

When the sole custody in divorce is recommended?

Sole custody in divorce would be better in cases where parents can't see each other eye to eye regarding their views, opinions, and wishes for their kids. When two parents can't agree for their child's good and respect each other's view regarding the way in which they wish to bring their child, sole custody in divorce may be the better choice. Certanly in situations where a parent is irresponsible, deemed mentally instable or cause psychological damage to a child, sole custody in divorce may be awarded by the court.

What rights has a non-custodial parent?

As a parent has sole custody in divorce of a child, this does not cancel visitation rights of the non-custodial parent. Joint and sole custody in divorce both entitle a non-custodial parent to his or her visitation. If a court deems a parent and his or her actions harmful to a child, it may suspend visitation rights of the parent. Although one parent may have sole custody in divorce, the court may still impose that the parent with sole custody notifies the non-custodial parent of choices made for the child. The major difference between sole custody in divorce and joint custody in divorce is that the actual decisions may be made without consultation from the non-custodial parent.

Parents in the process of divorce must determine if they can respectfully consult with each other regarding decisions about their children in order to determine the best situation for custody.