Federal and state laws governing a parent's legal authority to make decisions affecting a child (legal custody) and to maintain physical control over the child (physical custody), as well as the visitation rights of the noncustodial parent

The responsibilities for care and control of a child are governed in the United States by both federal and state laws. Custody may be disputed by both married and unmarried couples with minor children, including married couples who separate but do not divorce. Unmarried parents may claim custody by virtue of their biological rights even if both parents and the child have never lived together as a family. There have also been custody disputes over frozen embryos created before a couple decides to separate.

Temporary custody is often awarded following a preliminary hearing when a couple first separates or files for divorce. The custody arrangements are later...