The answer may surprise you: not all parents who have sole physical custody of their children are legally considered custodial parents in the eyes of the courts. (thespruce.com)
There is a growing and disturbing trend by Canadian courts to eliminate the distinction between sole custody with access and joint custody, by giving access parents almost the same rights as custodial parents. (thelizlibrary.org)
Further, custodial parents who seek government benefits, such as welfare or food stamps, may be required to name the child's father and participate in child support enforcement actions. (info.legalzoom.com)