joint custody

noun

: custody (the legal right to take care of a child) shared by two people
The divorced parents have joint custody.

Examples of joint custody in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In September 2017, a judge granted Elkins and Sariahh’s mother joint custody following a petition to determine paternity and establish child support, according to court records reviewed by NBC News. Ryan Chandler, NBC news, 20 Apr. 2026 At the time, the pair agreed to joint custody of their daughter. Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 14 Apr. 2026 Both sought joint custody of their children. Edward Segarra, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026 The exes, who married in May 2008, will reportedly share joint custody of their three kids. Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 17 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for joint custody

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Joint custody.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/joint%20custody. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.

Legal Definition

joint custody

see also:
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster