Legal Definitions - joint legal custody

Joint legal custody is a type of custody arrangement in which both parents share the responsibility for making important decisions about their child's upbringing, such as education, healthcare, and religion. This is different from physical custody, which refers to where the child lives on a day-to-day basis.

For example, if a couple gets divorced and they have joint legal custody, both parents have an equal say in decisions about their child's education. Even if the child lives primarily with one parent, both parents still have a say in important decisions.

Joint legal custody is often preferred by courts, as it allows both parents to be involved in their child's life and decisions. However, it may not be appropriate in cases where there is a lot of conflict between the parents or if one parent is deemed unfit.

Overall, joint legal custody is a way for both parents to share in the responsibility of raising their child, even if they are no longer together.