Child custody laws vary by state, but many regulations can offer you the same types of custody. Physical custody means that the children will live at the residence of one parent. In this type of custody, the other parent is usually granted legal custody. If you're granted this type of custody, you won't live with your children, but you'll retain the right to influence decisions involving your child's education and healthcare. Sole physical and legal custody is granted in cases where one parent is proven to be abusive or negligent. If you're granted joint custody, your children will spend equal amounts of time with both you and your spouse. Split custody means that each parent will take some of the children, though this custody is rare.