The types of custody that parents can choose from depend on the state where they live and the specific situation of their child. Generally, there are five types of custody: physical custody, legal custody, sole custody, joint custody, and bird's nest custody. Physical Custody If you have physical custody over your child, you have the right to have your child physically live with you. You have to know the nature and your share of rights and obligations in terms of your child s upbringing. Doing so can be very challenging, so here are some tips to guide you through understanding the legal conditions that govern the custody of your child. Consult the Court of Jurisdiction To understand custody laws, you must consult first the court of jurisdiction. If a parent has sole legal custody , that parent has the right to make decisions on the child s health, education, and overall welfare (doctor, schools, etc). In joint legal custody both parents share the decisions. How is a decision made? The judge usually approves a custody plan agreed on by the parents. One step at a time Motivation is a very important key to ensure that you will cope with losing a child custody case. It would require so much self-assessment as well as constant reflection over one's self, on his or her environment, the people that surround him or her and the overall condition of life that he or she is in. Added to this are several side issues that must be resolved to satisfy the needs of both parents and that of the child (or children). Usually, the courts try to resolve this on a temporary basis for the peace of mind of all parties concerned. At the beginning of divorce hearings, it is common to have temporary child custody agreements or temporary child custody court orders. This is because he does not have the automatic right to spend time with his child compared to a married father. When parents divorce or separate (whether married or unmarried), it is a common occurrence that the father is denied access to the children by the mother. When the issue is resolved in the courts, the issue of child support overpowers that of the father having to gain access to their children.