Joint custody, which is also known as joint physical custody, which refers to the parents’ participation in the "day-to-day upbringing of the child."

More than 30 states now have statutes specifically authorizing joint custody does not depend upon whether the parties request it.

In awarding joint custody, the sole custody.

Joint supervision when absent, maintain reasonable discipline, and nurture the child with affection.

In shared custody routines, courts sometimes designate one parent what is called the "primary physical custody," but allow the other parent "greater access to the child than [he or she would have] with only traditional visitation rights." At issue is the parent is "better suited to attend to the day-to-day care of the child."

Some jurisdictions permit alternating custody in a variety of routines -- weekly, by half year, with the one parent during the school year and the other during summer recess, and even annually. Some jurisdictions frown on this because it is held to be very disruptive to the child.

When it works, shared custody greatly reduces the trauma a child suffers when his or her parents part.

Not infrequently, shared custody routines break down when subsequent to their onset divorce parents demonstrate an inability to cooperate, extreme anger or hostility, serious misconduct, make false allegations about one another, or neglect the child.

All custody is subject to best interest of the child.

Sometimes shared custodians request the court to modify the legal custody in place. This may happen as a result of interference by the primary physical custodian, or his or her instability, or his or her remarriage.