Times are changing, and the dynamics of parenting are miles apart from the traditional scene of family homes with mom, dad and the kids all together. Researchers say more and more people in British Columbia and other provinces are so busy establishing their careers during their 20s that they only start considering parenthood in their 30s. By that time, many people do not want to give up their independence for marriage, and they settle for nontraditional ways of creating families, including co-parenting from different homes.
One couple — a divorced woman and a gay man both wanting children — described how they met online and set in motion their plan of DIY artificial insemination after coming to know one another. After their son was born, they now live apart but share the parental responsibilities. Apparently, this is not an isolated case, and thousands of Canadians are registered on social media websites that aim to bring people together who want to co-parent children without marriage.
A university professor says the separation of marriage and romance from procreation is a positive step. It was also mentioned that apps run the modern world, and dating apps, in particular, allow people to have relationships with no commitment. While this may sound like the ideal situation for parents who do not want to commit to each other, the question of how long their commitment to the best interests of the children will last is still unanswered.
British Columbia couples who want to follow this example of creating a family without marriage may want to check out the legal aspects of such relationships. An experienced family law lawyer can explain the rights of each parent in such a relationship, and the legal requirements for artificial insemination procedures. A lawyer can also help the parents draft a formal agreement to address how they will handle finances, health and education decisions and other matters related to the child along with an indication of how they will handle any future disputes or contentions.
Source: CBC News Toronto, “Partners in parenting, not love: Singles pair up to raise a child“, Makda Ghebreslassie, Feb. 15, 2017