Joint custody with tie breaking authority is a legal arrangement in Louisiana that allows both parents to have equal decision-making power concerning important matters related to their children's upbringing. In this type of custody arrangement, parents are required to co-parent and collaborate in making major decisions regarding the child's education, healthcare, religion, and general welfare. Tie breaking authority is an additional aspect of joint custody in Louisiana that comes into play when the parents are unable to reach an agreement on a particular issue. It grants one parent the final say in making decisions when there is a deadlock or significant disagreement between the parents. This authority ensures that important decisions are made promptly for the child's best interest, even if both parents cannot agree. There are various types of joint custody with tie breaking authority recognized in Louisiana, each with slight differences and levels of authority: 1. Joint Legal Custody with Tie Breaking Authority: This is a common form of joint custody where both parents participate in decision-making, but one parent has the final authority in case of a tie. 2. Joint Physical Custody with Tie Breaking Authority: With this type of custody, parents share physical custody of the child, allowing the child to spend significant time with each parent. Tie breaking authority is established in regard to major decisions. 3. Joint Legal and Physical Custody with Alternating Tie Breaking Authority: In this arrangement, parents share both legal and physical custody of the child. However, the tie breaking authority alternates between the parents, ensuring fairness and equal decision-making power over time. 4. Joint Legal and Physical Custody with Primary Tie Breaking Authority: Under this arrangement, one parent serves as the primary custodian, having the initial authority to make decisions. However, the non-custodial parent may have the tie breaking authority in case of disagreement. Regardless of the specific type of joint custody with tie breaking authority, the ultimate goal remains the same — to prioritize the child's best interests and ensure that both parents play an active role in decision-making, even in circumstances where agreement cannot be reached.