What is joint legal custody?

Joint legal custody, as it pertains to family law in Washington, is a type of custody arrangement which allows both parents to partake in making important decisions about their child’s welfare. This means that both parents have the right to be informed of and partake in the decision-making process of their child’s health, education, religious training, and other important aspects of their upbringing. Joint legal custody is different from physical custody, which is simply about where the child resides. With joint legal custody, both parents have equal rights and responsibilities regarding all major decisions in the child’s life. This does not mean that parents must agree on every decision; it simply means that they must discuss the matter and come to a collaborative decision. It is important to note, however, that joint legal custody does not necessarily equate equitable parenting time. Joint legal custody can be awarded in addition to either shared or sole physical custody.

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