When can a court order sole custody?
Joint custody is often the starting point, but a court may order sole custody if joint custody is not consistent with the child's best interests. This may be the case, for example, if you and the other parent have serious difficulties co-operating or if there is a risk of harm to the child.
What does sole custody mean in practice?
If you have sole custody, you make decisions about matters such as schooling, healthcare and passports. Your child still has the right to contact with the other parent, provided this is consistent with your child's best interests.