It is the intention of parents who agree to joint custody that each parent shall continue to have a full and active role in providing a sound social, economic, educational and moral environment for their children. Parents need to consult with one another on substantial questions relating to educational programs, religious upbringing, significant changes in social environment, and health care. Parents needs to exert their best efforts to work cooperatively in making plans consistent with the best interests of the children and in amicably resolving disputes as they arise. Specific periods of time with a given parent need to be defined. Joint custody does not determine the amount of time a child spends with either parent, but does imply that a child has access to each parent for enough time to allow the relationship to be meaningful and not superficial.
Some children alternate between parents' homes on an equal-time basis.
Other families have a more traditional arrangement where children spend the week with one parent and weekends with the other parent. Children's ages and school situations as well as parents' employment and availability must be considered in planning an appropriate physical custody arrangement. When the children are in the actual physical custody of a parent, that parent shall have the responsibility for seeing that the minor children are fed and cared for properly and taken to school. That parent shall take responsibility for meeting medical and dental emergencies. Parents will need to arrange for the financial support of the children.