Code of Alabama 1975,  Section 30-3-150

State policy, Joint Custody

It is the policy of this state to assure that minor children have frequent and continuing contact with parents who have shown the ability to act in the best interest of their children and to encourage parents to share in the rights and responsibilities of rearing their children after the parents have separated or dissolved their marriage. Joint custody does not necessarily mean equal physical custody. (Acts 1996, No. 96-520, p. 666, §1.)