<p>After separation, a court will make an initial determination on child custody. Courts will generally grant <a data-inlink="fjzApAdIGJ2SgswXUn1WAw&#61;&#61;" href="https://www.thespruce.com/overview-of-sole-physical-custody-2997671" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1" rel="nofollow">physical custody to one parent,</a> often with visitation to the other parent, and legal custody to one or both parents. It is often the case that a court will give both parents <a data-inlink="Wqjzl8FNTx_eHrqQ5xXiqQ&#61;&#61;" href="https://www.thespruce.com/overview-of-joint-legal-custody-2997666" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="2" rel="nofollow">joint legal custody</a>.</p><p>Courts differ on the exact definition of joint legal custody. Generally, joint legal custody is defined as a parent&#39;s shared right to determine how to raise a child, with specific consideration to day-to-day activities. Parents are expected to make decisions together, without the interference of a court.</p><h3>Joint Legal Custody Decisions</h3><p>Often parents must make bilateral decisions on issues such as:</p><ul><li>Choice of schools <em>(Note: If an educational decision involves religion, a court will not intervene, as religious choice is a First Amendment Right.)</em> </li><li>Choice of doctors and medical decisions, such as whether to permit certain medical procedures</li><li>Choice of after-school activities</li></ul><h3>The Benefits of Joint Legal Custody</h3><ul><li>An easier adjustment for children, as <a data-inlink="4yAmRwpc7GML8EH7la7ErQ&#61;&#61;" href="https://www.thespruce.com/joint-custody-arrangement-tips-2997605" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="3" rel="nofollow">joint custody allows both parents to be involved</a> in a meaningful way</li><li>Joint legal custody includes both parents, which is especially beneficial those who wish to parent collaboratively because it encourages parents to work together</li></ul><h3>The Difficulties Associated with Joint Legal Custody</h3><ul><li>Parents must be able to effectively communicate and handle joint decisions involving a child</li><li>Parents often have different ideas about raising children, which might influence their day-to-day decisions</li></ul><h3>Alternatives for Situations Where Parents Who Share Joint Legal Custody Disagree</h3><p>If parents cannot reach a mutual decision involving the day-to-day rearing of a child, a court will consider a few alternatives:</p><ul><li>Deferring to a neutral third-party, agreed upon by both parties, which might be a stipulation in the custody agreement</li><li>Court-ordered mediation</li><li>If both alternatives fail, a court, in its discretion, may choose to intervene</li></ul><p>In addition, matters surrounding child custody may be modified at the court’s discretion. However, courts do not want to be involved in the day-to-day decisions of raising children. Before involving a court of law in decisions involving joint legal custody, parents should first consider the <a data-inlink="jKNHqOHI4jMx2Hv_pKY4YA&#61;&#61;" href="https://www.thespruce.com/best-interests-of-the-child-standard-overview-2997765" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="4" rel="nofollow">best interest of the child.</a> Then if necessary, invite a neutral third-party to assist in reaching a decision.</p>