Child custody is just that - the custody of a child. Each parent has an equal right to retain custody of the child. Joint custody of the child can be awarded. Sole custody of the child, in which only one parent retains custody, can also be awarded. Custody allows the parent(s) to make the decisions in regard to that child. The custodial parent has the legal right to make decisions regarding education, religion, residence, health care issues and the child's name. In the case of joint custody, both parents shall have access to educational information and the like and also share the responsibility of making decisions that pertain to the child. Custody is usually awarded by the courts based upon what is in the best interest of the child. Custody can be agreed upon by both parents and the courts will definitely take that into consideration and more than likely the court will award custody on the basis agreed between the parents.