custody

Custody is the right of a parent to make important decisions about how to care for and raise a child. It includes the right to make decisions about the child’s health, education, and religion. Custody is not about which parent the child lives with or how much time a child spends with each parent.

There are different types of custody. Sole custody means only one parent has the right to make these decisions. Joint custody means both parents have the right to make these decisions.

Other people, for example, grandparents, can also apply to the court for custody.