WHAT IS JOINT CUSTODY?
Joint custody encompasses two concepts: joint legal custody and joint physical custody. “Joint legal custody” generally means joint decision-making responsibility regarding a child’s upbringing, including where he goes to school, whether or when he needs medical attention, what religious beliefs he will be raised in, etc. “Joint physical custody” refers to significant amounts of time with both parents, so that the child has frequent and continuing contact with both parents. Missouri’s custody statute encourages joint custody arrangements where appropriate. See Section 452.375, R.S.Mo. Joint custody is usually granted where both parties request it. In such cases, the parties will enter into a “joint custody plan” which includes detailed provisions about the parents’ duty to confer with each other about child-rearing decisions and a physical custody schedule. The physical custody schedule may include provisions ranging from more-or-less equal time in residence with both parents to a sche
