Noncustodial Parent

A noncustodial parent is the parent who does not have primary physical custody of their child, meaning the child primarily lives with the other parent. This parent typically has visitation rights and is responsible for providing financial support, such as child support payments. The noncustodial parent maintains a relationship with the child and shares in parenting responsibilities, but the main day-to-day care is managed by the custodial parent. This arrangement often results from a divorce, separation, or mutual agreement, with the goal of fostering the child's well-being and maintaining the parent-child bond.