Joint Custody Legal Meaning and Definition

Here is a simplified definition of the legal term Joint Custody.

Joint Custody (noun)

Joint Custody refers to a court-ordered arrangement, commonly in divorce situations, where the responsibility and rights for a child are shared equally between both parents. There are two types:

1. Joint Physical Custody: Both parents follow court orders to reasonably share the child's physical care and residence.
2. Joint Legal Custody: Both parents collaboratively make decisions for the child's education, health, finances, and other significant needs. In new situations, parents are required to consult each other before making decisions.