There is a legal presumption in Minnesota that Joint Legal Custody is in the best interests of a minor child unless that presumption is rebutted by the other party (e.g. showing that there was domestic abuse in the relationship.).  “Legal custody” refers to major decisions regarding the child (for example, enrolling the child in private versus public school is a legal custody decision).  Major health decisions or religious issues are all legal custody decisions.  If the parties are awarded joint legal custody, it means that they both have the equal right to make decisions regarding any of the major issues concerning the child.  If one party is awarded sole legal custody, it means that he or she has the exclusive authority to make the major decisions regarding the minor child.

• Read custody and best interests statute: link
• Read modification of custody statute: link
• Read mediation statute: link