Unless the provision or context otherwise requires, the definitions in this chapter govern the construction of this division.
Definitions and General ProvisionsDefinitions
Section § 3000
This section states that the definitions given in this chapter should be used to understand and interpret the rules in this division, except when specified otherwise or when the context demands a different interpretation.
definitions construction interpretation
Section § 3002
Joint custody refers to a situation where both parents share both legal and physical custody of their child.
“Joint custody” means joint physical custody and joint legal custody.
joint custody joint physical custody joint legal custody
Section § 3003
Joint legal custody means both parents equally share the right and duty to make important decisions regarding their child's health, education, and overall well-being.
“Joint legal custody” means that both parents shall share the right and the responsibility to make the decisions relating to the health, education, and welfare of a child.
joint custody parents' rights decision-making
Section § 3004
Joint physical custody means both parents spend substantial time with their child. This setup ensures the child has regular and ongoing contact with both parents, following additional rules set in other sections.
“Joint physical custody” means that each of the parents shall have significant periods of physical custody. Joint physical custody shall be shared by the parents in such a way so as to assure a child of frequent and continuing contact with both parents, subject to Sections 3011 and 3020.
joint physical custody significant periods physical custody
Section § 3006
This law means that when a parent has 'sole legal custody' of a child, that parent alone decides on important aspects like the child's health care, schooling, and overall well-being.
“Sole legal custody” means that one parent shall have the right and the responsibility to make the decisions relating to the health, education, and welfare of a child.
sole legal custody parental decisions child health
Section § 3007
Sole physical custody means that one parent is responsible for the child's living arrangements and daily supervision, but the court can allow the other parent to visit.
“Sole physical custody” means that a child shall reside with and be under the supervision of one parent, subject to the power of the court to order visitation.
sole physical custody child residence parental supervision
