What does it mean for a father to have sole custody of his child?

Sole custody means that a father has the exclusive legal right to make decisions regarding his child's upbringing, including education, healthcare, and religious practices. It also typically includes physical custody, meaning the child lives primarily with the father. This arrangement often arises when the court determines it's in the best interest of the child, usually due to factors like the mother's unavailability or unfitness. Sole custody can impact the child's relationship with both parents, emphasizing the importance of maintaining healthy communication and visitation rights where applicable.