For the purposes of this article the following words shall have the following meanings:
(1) JOINT CUSTODY. Joint legal custody and joint physical custody.
(2) JOINT LEGAL CUSTODY. Both parents have equal rights and responsibilities for major decisions concerning the child, including, but not limited to, the education of the child, health care, and religious training. The court may designate one parent to have sole power to make certain decisions while both parents retain equal rights and responsibilities for other decisions.
(3) JOINT PHYSICAL CUSTODY. Physical custody is shared by the parents in a way that assures the child frequent and substantial contact with each parent. Joint physical custody does not necessarily mean physical custody of equal durations of time.
(4) SOLE LEGAL CUSTODY. One parent has sole rights and responsibilities to make major decisions concerning the child, including, but not limited to, the education of the child, health care, and religious training.
(5) SOLE PHYSICAL CUSTODY. One parent has sole physical custody and the other parent has rights of visitation except as otherwise provided by the court.
Structure Code of Alabama
Title 30 - Marital and Domestic Relations.
Chapter 3 - Child Custody and Support.
Section 30-3-150 - State Policy.
Section 30-3-151 - Definitions.
Section 30-3-153 - Implementation; Required Provisions; Plan Set by Court.
Section 30-3-154 - Availability of Records to Both Parents.
Section 30-3-155 - Determination of Child Support.
Section 30-3-156 - Interference With Custody or Violation of Chapter 3b.
Section 30-3-157 - Construction of Article With Respect to Existing Orders.