In Jamaica, the court distinguishes between "legal custody" (the right to make major decisions about school, religion, and medical care) and "care and control" (who the children physically live with day-to-day). The courts almost always favor joint legal custody unless one parent is completely unfit.
If your spouse is pushing for sole custody without reasonable justification (like neglect or abuse), the court will likely order a social enquiry report from a Children’s Officer. As long as you are an active, loving parent, judges want both parents involved.
Make sure you keep records showing your daily involvement in your children’s lives—school drop-offs, doctor visits, and emotional support. It helps demonstrate what is genuinely in the best interests of the children.
