What Is Child Custody? Key Facts Every Parent Should Know

A woman sitting on a couch holding a baby's hand.

Child custody refers to the responsibilities parents have for their child’s care, welfare, and development after separation or divorce. Under Australian law, the term “custody” is no longer used. Instead, the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) uses: “Parental responsibility” to describe decision-making power over a child’s major life issues, such as health, education, and religion. […]