There are two major parts to parental rights and responsibilities:
The first is called “Legal responsibility”
This term defines the right and responsibility of a parent to determine and controlmatters affecting a child's welfare and upbringing, other than routine daily care andcontrol of the child. Examples include decisions regarding education, non-emergencymedical and dental care, religion and travel. Basically it is the right to make majorlife decisions for the child.
Legal responsibility may be held solely by one parent, or may be shared betweenboth parents, or divided when at least one child is living with each parent.
The second, is called “Physical responsibility”
This term defines the right and responsibility to provide routine daily care and controlof the child while taking into consideration the right and responsibility of the otherparent to have contact with the child. Basically, it is the right and responsibility tomake daily decisions for a child.
Physical responsibility, like legal responsibility, may be held solely by one parent, ormay be divided or shared.