There is no set definition for joint custody according to the North Carolina Statutes. As far as joint legal custody is concerned, it is typically thought of as both parties having an equal say in the important decisions involving your child(ren), such as his or her education, religion and medical decisions. However, it can be defined differently depending on what you and your child(ren)’s other parent agree to or what the judge orders in your custody order. As far as joint physical custody goes, it is typically thought of as both parents having equal, or close to equal, parenting time with the child(ren). However, it can again be defined differently in every case depending on what you either agree to or what the judge orders.