What does the term "custody" mean in family law?

There is no statutory definition of the term “custody”. Custody refers to the right and responsibility of a parent to make major decisions for his or her child. Major decisions generally include those decisions concerning education, religion and non-emergency health care of a child. A non-parent may also make a custody application. Sole custody means that one parent shall make all major decisions for the minor child. Joint custody means that both parents shall make major decisions for the minor child jointly.