DOES JOINT LEGAL CUSTODY MEAN THAT A CHILD LIVES WITH EACH PARENT 50% OF THE TIME?
Joint legal custody really refers to decision making, not the time a child spends with either parent. The court order regarding physical placement determines when the child is with a particular parent. The physical placement orders may be different in every case. In one case the court could order that a child spend one week with one parent, and the next week with the other parent if that arrangement was in the childs best interest. The court could decide that a child will live with one parent during the week and with the other parent on the weekends. Or the court could decide that the child will spend the school year with one parent, and the summer and school breaks with the other parent. Parents can decide what works best for their families. If the parents cant agree, the court will have to decide based upon what is in the childs best interest. It is important to remember that you can have joint legal custody, and not have a 50-50 (or joint) placement schedule. ARE PERIODS OF PHYSICAL
