Custody - Definitions


  • "Joint legal custody" means that both parents shall share the right and the responsibility to make the decisions relating to thehealth, education, and welfare of a child.(California Family Code section 3003)
  • "Sole legal custody" means that one parent shall have the right and the responsibility to make the decisions relating to the health, education, and welfare of a child. (California Family Code section 3006)
  • "Joint physical custody" means that each of the parents shall have significant periods of physical custody. Joint physical custody shall be shared by the parents in such a way so as to assure a child of frequent and continuing contact with both parents. (California Family Code section 3004)
  • "Sole physical custody" means that a child shall reside with and under the supervision of one parent, subject to the power of the court to order visitation. That one parent shall have the right and the responsibility to make the decisions relating to the health, education, and welfare of a child.(California Family Code section 3007) 
  •  "Joint custody" means joint physical custody and joint legal custody. (California Family Code section 3002)