Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

joint custody

American  

noun

Law.
  1. 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.

While some see the joint custody bill as a way to solve such controversies, not everyone is supportive of the revision.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

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 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

Dennis and the children’s father, former South Carolina state treasurer Ravenel, established a joint custody agreement in the fall of 2019.

From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 2024

"How can you enforce joint custody when there's no infrastructure to do so?"

From BBC • May 17, 2024