Can custody include shared medical appointment responsibilities?

Introduction

Custody arrangements not only determine where a child lives but also define how major decisions—including those related to medical care—are made. When custody is shared, especially in joint legal custody situations, both parents often have equal rights and responsibilities regarding medical appointments. Coordinating healthcare duties is essential to ensure the child receives proper care and both parents stay informed.

Types of Custody and Medical Responsibilities

1. Legal Custody and Medical Decisions

Legal custody gives a parent the right to make important decisions about the child’s life, including medical care. In joint legal custody, both parents share this responsibility. This means they must communicate and agree on:

• Selecting healthcare providers
• Approving treatments or surgeries
• Vaccination decisions
• Mental health support

2. Physical Custody and Appointment Attendance

Physical custody refers to where the child lives. If parents share joint physical custody, they may also alternate or share duties like:

• Taking the child to routine check-ups
• Attending specialist appointments
• Managing emergency care situations
  The custody schedule may determine which parent is responsible on a given day.

Shared Responsibilities in Practice

1. Coordinating Schedules

Parents must agree on who takes the child to appointments or use co-parenting apps or shared calendars to keep both parties informed. Consistent communication is key.

2. Medical Records and Access

Both parents generally have the right to access their child’s medical records, regardless of who physically takes the child to the doctor.

3. Court Orders and Agreements

Some custody agreements explicitly outline how medical responsibilities are divided. If one parent is uncooperative or refuses to coordinate, legal remedies may be available through family court.

4. Disagreements on Medical Decisions

If parents with joint legal custody cannot agree on medical treatment, the court may intervene to determine what is in the best interest of the child.

Benefits of Sharing Medical Responsibilities

• Ensures both parents are informed and involved in the child’s health.
• Reduces stress on one parent.
• Demonstrates cooperative parenting to the child.
• Encourages consistency in treatment and care.

Example

Suppose a divorced couple shares joint legal and physical custody of their 10-year-old daughter. The father takes her to routine dental check-ups, while the mother handles her pediatric appointments. When their daughter is diagnosed with asthma, both parents attend a consultation with a specialist to understand treatment options and create an action plan.

Steps They Take:

1. Share appointment dates using a shared calendar.
2. Alternate transport responsibilities based on custody days.
3. Both have access to the child's health portal for records and updates.
4. Discuss medication changes through email or a parenting app.
5. Agree that in emergencies, the nearest available parent will act in the child’s best interest and inform the other immediately.