ABA Family Legal Guide

Family Law

3.4 Separation, Annulment, and Divorce

Joint Custody

What is joint legal custody?

Joint legal custody means that both parents share in major decisions affecting the child. The custody order may describe the issues on which the parents must share decisions. The most common issues are school, health care, and religious training. Other issues on which the parents may make joint decisions include extracurricular activities, summer camp, age for dating or driving, and methods of discipline. Many joint custody orders specify procedures parents should follow in the event they cannot agree on an issue. The most common procedure is for the parents to consult a mediator.