Full Definition of CONTINENTAL SHELF. : a shallow submarine plain of varying width forming a border to a continent and typically ending in a comparatively steep slope to the deep ocean floor. See continental shelf defined for English-language learners.See continental shelf defined for kids.ADVERTISEMENT. a shallow submarine plain of varying width forming a border to a continent and typically ending in a comparatively steep slope to the deep ocean floor. See continental shelf defined for English-language learners. See continental shelf defined for kids. ADVERTISEMENT.
Legal custody means the legal right and responsibility to raise a minor child and to make decisions on her or his behalf. Joint, split, and shared legal custody require both parentsâ approval for all major decisions.
Physical custody refers to where the child lives, and how much time the child spends with each parent. Depending on the laws of the state, the court may award sole custody, joint custody, or primary physical custody. With sole custody, the child only lives with one parent, while the other parent may have scheduled visitation or parenting time.