What Is Joint Legal Custody?

At Lai & Turner Law Firm PLLC, we frequently work with families facing important decisions about parenting after separation or divorce. One of the most common questions we hear is, “What is joint legal custody?” Our compassionate and skilled Oklahoma City, OK child custody lawyer helps parents understand their rights and responsibilities when they are sharing legal responsibilities and decision-making with their ex. Our firm is a dedicated family of professionals who strive to provide exceptional legal services with a personal touch. We have over six years of experience successfully helping people with their family law and other legal needs, as well as 100s of five-star reviews.

Legal Custody Versus Physical Custody

Before diving into joint legal custody, it’s important to know the difference between legal and physical custody. Legal custody refers to a parent’s right to make important decisions for their child, including matters related to education, healthcare, religion, and general welfare. Physical custody, on the other hand, determines where the child lives on a day-to-day basis.

What Joint Legal Custody Means

When parents have joint legal custody, both are responsible for making key decisions about their child’s life. This arrangement requires communication and cooperation, even if the parents no longer live together or get along personally. Neither parent can make significant decisions alone without involving the other. It’s a legal acknowledgment that both parties remain actively involved in raising the child.

Benefits Of Joint Legal Custody

When parents have joint legal custody, it often helps to support balanced parenting. Children can benefit from having both parents involved in major decisions. It can also reduce conflict down the line, as both parents are given equal authority. In many cases, courts favor joint legal custody if both parties are capable of working together and making decisions in the child’s best interests.

Challenges Of Shared Decision-Making

While joint legal custody is great when it works well, it does not come without challenges, even when the parents are fairly amicable and peaceful about most things.Disagreements over schooling, healthcare, or extracurriculars can create tension. In situations where one parent is uncooperative or unavailable, joint decision-making may be difficult. We help our clients put clear communication plans in place and offer legal solutions when one party is not fulfilling their role.

When Courts May Not Grant Joint Legal Custody

Joint legal custody isn’t automatically granted. Courts will consider the ability of both parents to cooperate and communicate. If there’s a history of physical, emotional, drug or alcohol abuse, neglect, or severe conflict, the court may award sole legal custody to one parent. We assist our clients in presenting the facts clearly so that the custody decision reflects what’s best for the child.

What To Do If Things Change

Over time, a parent’s circumstances or behavior may change. If joint legal custody is no longer working, or you need to modify your child support or custody agreement, it may be possible to request these modifications through the court. We guide clients through this process when it becomes necessary to adjust the custody arrangement.

At Lai & Turner Law Firm PLLC, we take a direct and committed approach to supporting families during challenging times. If you have questions about joint legal custody or need help making updates to an existing agreement, contact us to schedule a free consultation. We’re here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.