The most common physical custody arrangement involves one parent having the primary residence and the other parent having as much visitation as is supported by factors and circumstances considered by the court.  Visitation can be weekly, alternating periods (weekends), or any other plan which the judge thinks is appropriate. Unless there are issues about domestic violence, substance abuse or serious mental health issues, the parents equally participated in legal custody – which is decisions about the child’s health, education, extra-curricular activities, and general welfare.    By giving each parent legal rights to make decisions regarding their children, one parent may not make decisions which would interfere with the other parent’s parenting time.  When there are serious and credible allegations of domestic violence, substance abuse, and/or mental health issues which impair judgment, one parent may be awarded sole physical and legal custody.  In these cases, visitation is often limited and supervised by a mutually agreeable person, or a professional.