Physical custody of a child allows a parent the day to day responsibility to care for the child. Each case is evaluated individually by the court based on the best interest of the children. Of course, physical custody relates to where the child primarily resides. In this day and age, joint physical custody is common as well as the more modern labels of "primary" and "secondary" physical custody. Of course, sole physical custody is also used and appropriate in some instances. Regardless of the label, California law states it is important for children to have frequent and continuing contact with both parents.