custody
Definition
Custody refers to who has the legal right to care for and make decisions about a child, and it can be split between physical custody (where the child actually lives) and legal custody (who gets to make important decisions about education, health, and religion). Courts decide custody arrangements based on what they believe is best for the child, and parents can share custody jointly or one parent can hold primary custody while the other gets visitation rights.
Example
If you and your spouse divorce, a judge might order that your child lives with you during the week and with your spouse on weekends, giving you both shared physical custody while you split legal decision-making equally.
Watch Out
Custody arrangements directly affect your daily life and parental rights, so you should always have a family law attorney review any proposed agreement before you sign anything.
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This definition is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult with a licensed attorney for legal guidance.