A noncustodial parent is a parent who does not have physical custody of their minor child as the result of a court order. When a child lives with only one parent, in a sole custody arrangement, then the parent with whom the child lives is the custodial parent while the other parent is the non-custodial parent. In a shared parenting arrangement, where the child lives an equal or approximately equal amount of time with both parents, both are custodial parents and neither is a non-custodial parent.
Non-custodial parents may still be financially responsible for their children and can visit their children freely or on a schedule agreed upon in the custody arrangement. Physical custody differs from legal custody, so a non-custodial parent could still have legal custody of their children.
Family law differs from state to state, and noncustodial parents are a diverse population, with many factors affecting custody arrangements, from which parent is awarded custody to negotiating visitation schedules. Non-custodial parents may have difficulty accessing medical records, educational status, and other information regarding their child, but there is some federal legislation to help with this.
In summary, a noncustodial parent is a parent who does not have physical custody of their child as the result of a court order. They may still have legal custody and be financially responsible for their child. Custody arrangements can vary depending on state laws and individual circumstances.
