A custodial parent is a mother or father who, by order of the court: has either sole or primary physical custody of a child, and. is the parent the child spends most of the time with.

What does it mean to be the custodial parent?

Definition. Before the Family Law Reform changes in 1996, a custodian was a person with whom a child lived all or most of the time and who had care of the child. Although this is usually a natural or adoptive parent, a custodian does not have to be a child's parent. The appropriate term became 'resident parent' (1.1.

What is the difference between custodial and non-custodial parent?

A custodial parent is the parent that lives with and cares for their minor child for all (sole physical custody) or most (primary physical custody) of the time. This contrasts with the noncustodial parent, who might have the child on a limited basis or only have visitation rights.