What is the definition of joint/sole physical custody?

The definition of joint/sole physical custody is best captured by the understanding that control and residency of the child is shared between both parents. In a joint physical custody arrangement, both parents are actively involved in the child’s life, providing care and making decisions together, despite the child spending significant time with both. This arrangement aims to promote the child’s relationship with both parents, ensuring that neither parent has exclusive control over where the child resides or how their daily care is managed.

The concept emphasizes cooperation and co-parenting, allowing both parents to have a meaningful role in the child's upbringing, which can lead to better outcomes for the child in terms of emotional and social development. In contrast, the other alternatives describe various forms of custody that do not reflect this shared responsibility.