Establishing child custody and access can be one of the most challenging issues arising from divorce or separation. If parents are unable to decide where the children will live, how often each parent will have access to the children, and how decisions about the children will be made in the future, then the courts will make an order.
Child custody decisions in divorce and family law disputes include the child's residence, time spent with each parent, the child's education, medical attention, religion and general upbringing.
Child custody is usually the most important issue involved in the breakdown of a relationship.
All of the adults involved have a duty to ensure that we place the best interests of the children at the forefront. The parents have to deal with the issue of custody.
This can be "sole custody" or just "custody" or "joint custody." If one party has custody, then that party makes the major decisions for the child or the children. If the parties have joint custody then they make the major decisions together.
- Some parents feel that it is in the children's best interests to have a primary residence with one parent and for the children to visit with the other parent on alternate weekends and perhaps one evening during the week.
- Some parents feel that it is in the children's best interests to have a shared parenting arrangement, with the children spending approximately equal time with each parent.
- Sometimes, the court will ask for an assessment by a professional, typically a psychologist, agreed to by both parents and appointed by the court. The assessor interviews both parents and extended family members to determine the best living arrangement for the child or children.
During this process sometimes other professionals are involved and their input is obtained. They might include the family doctor, a counsellor or therapist, the children's teacher and other professionals involved with the children.
The assessment report is submitted with a recommendation as to who should be the custodial parent and when the children should reside with their respective parents.
Our lawyers at Quay Law Centre will vigorously pursue your interests and the best interests of your child in all custody and access matters.
To schedule a consultation, contact Quay Law Centre online, or call us locally at 604-200-0530 or toll free at 877-895-1426. From our offices in New Westminster, we represent clients in the Metro-Vancouver area, including Surrey, Fraser Valley, Tri-Cities, Burnaby, and any other area throughout B.C., Canada and internationally.
