Is there a difference between legal and physical child custody?

Yes, there is a difference between legal custody of physical child custody. Legal custody is a parent or guardian’s right to make a legal decision for a child. This is typically shared between both parents. Physical custody, on the other hand, is the right to have a child reside with you. Parents can also share physical custody, though if one parent has the child more than 50% of the time, they are considered the primary custodian.