Joint Custody

Joint custody is a court order that gives both parents custody of the child or children that are involved. Custody is shared between the two parents. Even though joint custody may be issued, child support, in most cases, will still have to be paid by one parent or the other. The wording in the legal paper work will make both parents "custodial parents" and no parent will be the "non-custodial" parent. In some states, even if joint custody is issued, one parent can retain sole physical custody of the child, meaning that the child's residence is considered to be at their address. In some states, this will give the terms custodial parent and non-custodial parent, meaning. Many states recognize two different forms of joint custody: that of joint physical custody and joint legal custody. Joint legal custody allows both parents to have access to medical records and educational records. It also allows both parents to have equal decision making in regards to the welfare and the future of the child. In the case of joint physical custody, usually the term visitation is thrown out and not used. Joint physical custody allows the actual lodging and care of the child to be shared.

Fast Facts

  • Between 1989 and 1990, states that had a high level of joint custody awards (above 30%) showed a greater decline in divorce rates in the following years up to year 1995.

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Results 1-5 of 80 for "joint custody"

  • Joint Legal Custody

    The custody of a child after a divorce is a serious matter that a parent must deal with and it is important th...
    • Site: lawfirms.com
    • 5 of 7 user(s) found this useful
  • An Overview of Child Custody Law

    Following the separation of biological parents, the future of the offspring produced by the relationship is in...
    • Site: lawfirms.com
    • 6 of 10 user(s) found this useful
  • Factors Determining who gets Custody

    A large number of factors may influence the outcome of any given child custody dispute.  For child custody arr...
    • Site: lawfirms.com
    • 5 of 8 user(s) found this useful
  • Child Custody: Filing, Modifying and Visitation Rights

    This guide may assist in answering questions you may have regarding Child Custody and Visitation.  We encourag...
    • By: Rachael Rogers
    • Site: childcustodylawfirms.com
    • 1 of 1 user(s) found this useful
  • Types of Child Custody

    There are a variety of child custody scenarios.  It is useful to understand the possible types of child custod...
    • Site: lawfirms.com
    • 6 of 7 user(s) found this useful

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