Joint Custody

oint custody is a custody arrangement in which both parents share responsibility for raising their child after a divorce or separation. In Washington State, courts encourage joint custody when it is in the child’s best interests, as it allows both parents to remain actively involved in their child’s life.

There are two types of joint custody:

• Joint legal custody means both parents share decision-making authority on major issues like education, healthcare, and religious upbringing.
• Joint physical custody means the child spends significant time living with both parents, though time may not always be split equally.

Washington courts typically use a parenting plan to outline the details of joint custody, including schedules and decision-making responsibilities. While joint custody requires cooperation in what can be sensitive relationship situations, it can provide stability for the child. If circumstances change, the custody arrangement may be modified through the legal system.