Legal Definitions - joint custody

Joint custody is an arrangement between separated parents where both parents have a say in how their child is raised. This includes both physical custody, where the child lives, and legal custody, where the parents make important decisions about the child's life.

Joint legal custody means both parents share the responsibility for making major decisions about the child's health, education, and welfare. Joint physical custody means the child spends time living with both parents, but it doesn't always mean an equal split of time.

For example, if a child spends weekdays with one parent and weekends with the other, that would be considered joint physical custody. Another example could be if a child spends half the year with one parent and the other half with the other parent.

Joint custody is often seen as a way to ensure that both parents have a meaningful relationship with their child after a separation or divorce. It can also help the child feel more secure and loved by both parents.