The meaning of CUSTODY is immediate charge and control (as over a ward or a suspect) exercised by a person or an authority; also : safekeeping. How to use custody in a sentence.

CUSTODY definition: 1. the legal right or duty to care for someone or something, especially a child after its parents…. Learn more.

Custody denotes a strict keeping, as by a formally authorized and responsible guardian or keeper: in the custody of the sheriff. Keeping denotes having in one's care or charge, as for guarding or …

Married parents normally have joint legal and physical custody of their children. Decisions about child custody typically arise in proceedings involving divorce, annulment, separation, adoption or parental …

Custody refers to the condition of having physical control over, or the legal right to control, a person or property. Possession of custody generally carries corresponding duties to safeguard and care for the …

Custody is the legal right to keep and look after a child, especially the right given to a child's mother or father when they get divorced.

The control and care of a person or property, especially when granted by a court: an adult who was given custody of the child. See Synonyms at care. 2. The state of being detained or held under …

Jul 7, 2025 · Learn the key differences between guardianship and custody with Doane. Understand legal roles, responsibilities, and how they affect child care decisions.

Dec 15, 2025 · There are many types of child custody. Use this overview to help you make sense of them and figure out the type you want to pursue in court.

Several suspects in the killing are in custody. He was taken into (police) custody last night and will be charged with murder today. The witness is in protective custody. [=is being kept in a safe place by …