Showing results for joint custody. Search instead for chain-of-custody.

joint custody

American

noun

Law.

custody, as of a child whose parents are separated, in which two or more people share responsibility.

Etymology

Origin of joint custody

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He said he wanted joint custody of his daughters and would do everything to prevent the government from sending them to Russia.

From BBC • Jul. 16, 2025

Though April and Hunter’s father had joint custody of Hunter, the boy spent most of his time at his mom’s house.

From Slate • Oct. 15, 2024

The former couple last year finalized their eight-year divorce, with the Oscar winner agreeing to pay $8,000 a month in child support in a joint custody agreement.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 28, 2024

The former couple wanted to end their public feud and “look forwards,” also in regard to “their joint custody of their child,” Lüders said.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 7, 2024

The pair were engaged in a custody battle that resulted in Pitt being awarded joint custody in 2021.

From BBC • Jun. 1, 2024

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023