**Sole legal custody** gives one parent the right and responsibility to make decisions about a child's health, education, and welfare. This is the definition in [[Cal. Fam. Code § 3006|Family Code section 3006]]. It concerns decision-making authority, rather than the schedule for where the child lives. ## In California Family Law Legal custody and physical custody address different questions. An order granting sole legal custody should be read together with its provisions for [[Physical Custody|physical custody]], [[Glossary/V/Visitation|visitation]], and any specific restrictions or duties. The label does not itself eliminate the other parent's court-ordered time with the child. For example, an order may give one parent authority over educational decisions while providing the other parent with scheduled parenting time. The actual order governs; a disagreement about school does not by itself authorize either parent to disregard the parenting schedule. Sole legal custody also should not be treated as unrestricted permission to relocate a child. Under [[Cal. Fam. Code § 7501|Family Code section 7501]], the court retains power to restrain a move that would prejudice the child's rights or welfare. [[Cal. Fam. Code § 3024|Family Code section 3024]] permits a custody order to include notice requirements for a planned change of the child's residence lasting more than 30 days. Review the existing order and applicable relocation requirements before assuming that decision-making authority resolves a move-away dispute.