ABA Family Legal Guide

Family Law

3.4 Separation, Annulment, and Divorce

Custody

What is child custody?

Child custody is the right and duty to care for a minor child on a day-to-day basis and to make major decisions about the child. In sole custody arrangements, one parent takes care of the child most of the time and makes major decisions about the child. In joint custody arrangements, both parents share in making major decisions, and both parents also might spend substantial amounts of time with the child.