Report No. 257

19D. Award of custody.

(1) In a proceeding to which this Chapter applies, the court may order joint custody or sole custody consistent with the welfare of the child.

(2) In determining whether an order under this section will be for the welfare of the child, the court shall have regard to the guidelines specified in the Schedule.

(3) Subject to the welfare of the child being the paramount consideration, the court may modify an order under this section, and record the reasons for doing so.