What is the difference between sole and joint legal custody?

Legal custody of a child has to do with decision-making authority. If a parent has sole legal custody, he/she can make all major decisions regarding the child’s health, education, religion, and other important decisions. Joint legal custody requires the parents to consult with one another prior to making major decisions regarding the child. Frequently Utah courts will designate one parent as having final decision-making authority with a mediation requirement if the parties cannot agree. Joint legal custody of some kind is presumed to be in the best interest of your children unless proven otherwise.