Custody is supposed to be decided based on what is in the best interest of the child. Once a custody order is in place it is much harder to change later.

Custody of a child (up to the age of 18 years) has two components: legal custody and physical custody. Each can be awarded solely to one parent or jointly to both parents.

Joint legal custody means that parents share decision-making authority as to the important decisions affecting the welfare of a child. With joint legal custody, both parents have access to the child’s school and medical records and the ability to communicate directly with teachers and health care providers.

Physical custody defines the primary residence of a child. During the time that a child resides with a parent, that parent makes the decisions regarding routine and emergency matters. Of equal importance is the parenting time schedule because that determines when the child spends time with each parent.