Joint legal custody means that both parents share the rights and responsibilities associated with making decisions relating to a child’s health, education, welfare, and well-being. Although the both parents will usually need to obtain the consent of the other parent, anytime one parent has actual physical custody of their child, they have the right to make routine decisions that may arise affecting a child’s daily or normal activities. Joint legal custody does not mean that one parent must obtain consent from the other parent on routine matters. Joint legal custody does not mean that consent is required for everything. Sharing joint legal custody does not mean that one parent must always obtain consent from the other.

The Law Offices of Edward Misleh, APC is a Sacramento law firm located in Sacramento, California that represents clients in Sacramento, California and in Northern California with the services they need and deserve when addressing their legal matters. Our firm handles all aspects of California child custody, including sole and joint custody, child support, child support modification, and move-away orders. Call now our Lawyer Hotline. We offer a free consultation to all new clients. Call now 916-443-1267 for your free consultation.

Joint Legal Child Custody

I want custody. I want 50/50 custody. What is joint legal child custody? How do I get joint custody? What is 50/50 custody?

A California Family Law Court makes decisions regarding California joint legal child custody by specifying the circumstances under which the consent of both parents is required to be obtained in order to exercise legal control of the child and the consequences of the failure to obtain mutual consent. At all other times, either parent may act alone.

Mutual Consent

A California Family Law Court can designate when mutual consent is required. Most often, courts order that the consent of both parents is required for decision regarding the child’s education, decisions pertaining to a child’s medical care, and decisions regarding daycare for the child. In emergency situations, one parent does not have to obtain the consent of the other parent. However, the parent acting in an emergency, needs to notify the other parent immediately, or as soon as possible, in the case of an emergency.

Circumstances for Mutual Consent

In making an order for California joint legal child custody, the court shall specify the circumstances under which the consent of both parents is required to be obtained in order to exercise legal control of the child and the consequences of the failure to obtain mutual consent. In all other circumstances, either parent acting alone may exercise legal control of the child. An order for California joint legal child custody shall not be construed to permit an action that is inconsistent with the physical custody order unless the action is expressly authorized by the court.

Access to Records and Information

How do I get my children’s medical records? How do I get my child’s educational records?

Both parents have the right to access records and information pertaining to a minor child, including, but not limited to, medical, dental, and school records, shall not be denied to a parent because that parent is not the children’s custodial parent. Each parent shall keep the other advised within a reasonable time when the minor children visit with the doctor, hospital, or place of medical treatment (excluding checkups), including the date of the visit, the name and address of the doctor, the condition treated, the results of the treatment, and description of any follow-up appointments made.

Required Notification

I don’t know where the other parent lives. How to I find out where my child is staying? How do I find out who my child is staying with?

Each parent shall keep the other advised at all times of his/her current residence and business address, telephone numbers (home, cell and work), the children’s school and daycare, and the location of where the children will be spending any extended period of time (two days or more).

Each parent is to provide the other with the address and telephone number at which the minor children reside. A parent shall notify the other parent if the parent plans to change the residence of the children for more than thirty (30) days, unless there is a prior written agreement to the removal. The notice shall be given before the contemplated move, by mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, to the last known address of the parent to be notified. A copy of the notice shall also be sent to that parent’s counsel of record. To the extent feasible, the notice shall be provided within a minimum of forty-five (45) days before the proposed change of residence so as to allow for mediation of a new agreement concerning custody.

School Enrollment

The other parent changed my child’s school and did not notify me. Can one parent change a child’s school?

Neither parent shall enroll the children in activities which require a commitment from the other parent or interfere with a previously agreed upon or Court ordered schedule without mutual approval.

Medical Testing or Evaluation

The other parent took our child to the doctor without telling me. Can the other parent take my child to get medical treatment without notifying me?

Neither parent shall submit the children to any psychological/psychiatric testing or evaluation or to any extended course of medical, dental, orthodontic, psychiatric, or psychological treatment/counseling without consultation with one another and consent which shall be in writing.

Changing Child’s Name

Both parents must consent and/or Court authorization is needed before changing of the children’s surname, obtaining a passport or driver license, and approving underage marriage or enlistment in the military.