If the parents agree who is to have custody, the court shall award custody in accordance with their agreement unless the provisions of La. Rev. Stat. 9:364 apply or the best interest of the child requires a different award. Subject to the provisions of La. Rev. Stat. 9:364, in the absence of agreement, or if the agreement is not in the best interest of the child, the court shall award custody to the parents jointly; however, if custody in one parent is shown by clear and convincing evidence to serve the best interest of the child, the court shall award custody to that parent.

            Acts 1993, No. 261, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1994; Acts 2018, No. 412, §1, eff. May 23, 2018.