Legal Custody

Determines which parent has the right to make major decisions regarding the child’s life

Since my mom has legal custody, she can decide which middle school I am going to.

For example, where the child may go to school, what religion they practice or when they will go to see a doctor)

Other pages to check out

Related terms

  •  Supervised Visitation

    A type of visitation where the non-custodial parent visits a child while someone else is also there.

  • Visitation

    When a family member who doesn’t have custody seeks a court order to be able to spend time with the child

  • Joint Physical Custody

    When parents share equal time with the child.

  • Sole Custody

    When only one parent can make important decisions about a child.