LEGAL CUSTODY Meaning and
Definition
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Legal custody refers to the legal rights and responsibilities bestowed upon a person or entity, often a parent or guardian, to make important decisions on behalf of a child. It grants the custodial individual or individuals the authority to decide matters concerning the child's upbringing and welfare, including education, healthcare, religious upbringing, and overall general welfare.
Legal custody can be granted to one parent, referred to as sole legal custody, or it can be awarded jointly to both parents, known as joint legal custody. When a parent has sole legal custody of a child, they have the sole authority to make all major decisions on behalf of the child without needing consent from the other parent.
In situations of joint legal custody, both parents share the responsibility and authority to make important decisions pertaining to the child's well-being together. This requires effective communication and cooperation between both parents to ensure the child's best interests are considered.
Legal custody is distinct from physical custody, which refers to where the child lives on a day-to-day basis. Legal custody focuses solely on the decision-making power and responsibilities of the custodial party, while physical custody encompasses the child's physical presence and care.
In cases where legal custody is disputed, courts determine and award legal custody based on what they believe will best serve the child's interests and overall welfare. The court's decision is based on factors like the child's age, their relationship with each parent, each parent's ability to provide for the child's needs, and the child's best interests.
Common Misspellings for LEGAL CUSTODY
- kegal custody
- pegal custody
- oegal custody
- lwgal custody
- lsgal custody
- ldgal custody
- lrgal custody
- l4gal custody
- l3gal custody
- lefal custody
- leval custody
- lebal custody
- lehal custody
- leyal custody
- letal custody
- legzl custody
- legsl custody
- legwl custody
- legql custody
- legak custody
Etymology of LEGAL CUSTODY
The word "legal" originated from the Latin word "legālis", which is derived from the term "lex" meaning law. "Custody" originated from the Latin word "custōdia", which means guarding or keeping. In the context of "legal custody", the term "legal" emphasizes that the custody is based on the laws and regulations established by the legal system, while "custody" refers to the responsibility for the care and protection of someone, usually a child, as determined by the court.
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