Parenting

When parents separate or divorce, decisions about children can become one of the most important and difficult parts of the process. Parenting arrangements can address where children live, how they spend time with each parent and how important decisions about their lives are made. DeHa Law provides legal guidance to parents in St. Albert and surrounding communities dealing with parenting matters.

Parenting Services in Alberta

Parenting arrangements should focus on the best interests of the child while considering the family's individual circumstances.

DeHa Law can assist with:

• Parenting arrangements
• Parenting time
• Decision-making responsibilities
• Parenting plans
• Changes to existing parenting arrangements
• Disputes between parents
• Negotiation and settlement
• Parenting agreements
• Court applications involving parenting matters

The appropriate arrangement depends on the circumstances of each family and the needs of the children involved.

What Is a Parenting Arrangement?

A parenting arrangement sets out how parents will share responsibilities and spend time with their children after separation or divorce.

It may address matters such as:

• Where the child will live
• When the child will spend time with each parent
• How parents will make important decisions
• School and educational decisions
• Healthcare decisions
• Religious or cultural matters
• Holidays and special occasions
• Communication between parents and children

A clear parenting arrangement can reduce uncertainty and help parents understand their respective responsibilities.

Parenting Time and Decision-Making

Parenting time refers to the time a child spends in the care of a parent. Decision-making responsibilities concern important decisions affecting the child.

These two issues do not always operate in the same way. Parents may have different arrangements for parenting time and decision-making responsibilities depending on what serves the child's best interests.

When parents cannot agree, legal advice can help clarify the available options and the factors that may affect a proposed arrangement.

The Best Interests of the Child

Canadian family law places significant emphasis on the best interests of the child when parenting issues are determined.

The circumstances of each family are different. Factors such as the child's needs, relationships with parents, stability, safety and ability of parents to communicate may become relevant when developing a parenting arrangement.

Parents should focus on creating arrangements that meet the child's needs rather than treating parenting time simply as a division of time between adults.

Changing a Parenting Arrangement

Family circumstances can change after a parenting agreement or court order is established. Changes in a child's needs, school, living arrangements or the circumstances of either parent may lead parents to reconsider their existing arrangement.

If parents agree, they may be able to update their arrangement. When they cannot reach an agreement, legal advice can help determine whether a formal application is appropriate.

Parenting and Child Support

Parenting arrangements and child support are related but separate family-law matters. Parenting time can be relevant when assessing child support, but child support also depends on other factors.

For more information about financial support for children, visit our [Child Support](/practice-area/child-support) page.

How Can a Parenting Lawyer Help?

A parenting lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and responsibilities, review proposed parenting arrangements and negotiate with the other parent or their lawyer.

DeHa Law can also assist with parenting disputes and court proceedings when parents cannot reach an agreement. The appropriate approach depends on the specific circumstances of the family.

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