A custody dispute is a legal disagreement between parents over child care arrangements and decision-making rights.
A custody dispute arises when separated or divorced parents cannot reach an agreement about how to care for and make decisions regarding their children. These disputes typically involve negotiations or legal proceedings to determine:
- Physical custody – where the child will live and spend time
- Legal custody – who has the authority to make important decisions about education, healthcare, and religion
- Parenting time – the schedule for when each parent spends time with the child
- Decision-making responsibilities – how parents will collaborate on major choices affecting the child’s welfare