Custody, Access, Guardianship, and Parenting
CHILD CUSTODY WITHOUT THE STRESS The well-being of your children are your utmost concern, and the divorce process can be very stressful for them. A family lawyer will handle the legality of custody and access for you.
Determining custody of children after parents divorce can be stressful for everyone; a divorce lawyer will work to alleviate as much stress as possible. Parents must decide where the children should live, who will make the major decisions in the childs life, and what time each parent gets to spend with the children. Custody or guardianship refers to the responsibility of making decisions with respect to the raising and care of a child, including the childs place of residence, discipline, education, and consent to medical treatment.
One or both parents may have custody or guardianship of their children. When one party has sole custody or guardianship, that parent makes all the decisions with respect to the child. These decisions must be agreed upon when the parents have joint custody or guardianship. If divorcing couples agree to joint custody, many different living arrangements are possible.
If married or divorced parents cannot agree on these issues they may apply for a custody and access order under the Divorce Act. Parents who have never been married to each other can apply for a guardianship and parenting order under the Alberta Family Law Act. A judge may make an order after considering:
the best interests of the child
how to ensure the child will have as much contact with each parent as possible, so long as this is in the best interests of the child
the past behaviour of the parent, only insofar as it reflects on the individuals ability to act as a parent.
RCM Family Lawyers want to diminish the strain child custody disagreements make on the divorce proceedings. They can help you find the best solutions for your particular divorce or separation situation.
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