Custody falls into two categories in Pennsylvania: physical and legal. Physical custody is the actual possession and control of a child. Legal custody is the right to make major decisions on behalf of the child, including, but not limited to, medical, religious and educational decisions. Within those categories of custody, a court may award a type of custody based on the best interests of the child.
But what about visitation? Visitation is no longer a term recognized by the state of Pennsylvania. When term “visitation” is used in reference to custody it may be construed to mean: partial physical custody, shared physical custody, or supervised physical custody.