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Child Custody
Child custody is a legal term that refers to the appointment of one or more persons to take care of and control a child under the age of 18 years. It defines the legal and practical relationship between a parent or guardian and the child in their care.
Child custody generally involves two main components:
- Physical custody: This determines with whom the child lives most of the time and who is responsible for the child's day-to-day care.
- Legal custody: This grants the right and responsibility to make important decisions about the child's health, education, and welfare.
Both physical and legal custody can be either sole or joint:
- Sole physical custody: The child lives with one parent, though the other parent may have visitation rights.
- Joint physical custody: The child spends significant periods living with each parent.
- Sole legal custody: One parent has the exclusive right to make decisions about the child's welfare.
- Joint legal custody: Both parents share decision-making responsibilities.
Child custody decisions are typically made in the context of divorce, separation, or other family law proceedings, with the court's primary consideration being the best interests of the child. This includes evaluating the child's relationship with each parent, their comfort and wellbeing, and the ability of each parent to care for the child.
In some jurisdictions, terminology has evolved to focus on "parental responsibility," "residence," and "contact" rather than custody and visitation, reflecting a child-centered approach to parenting arrangements.
In summary, child custody defines who has the right and responsibility to care for a child and make decisions about their upbringing, with arrangements tailored to support the child's best interests and maintain meaningful relationships with both parents whenever possible.