Best Child Custody Lawyers in Canada

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Laws & Beyond

Laws & Beyond

Calgary, Canada

Founded in 2008
10 people in their team
Laws & Beyond is a Calgary law firm that provides high-quality legal advice to our clients. At Laws & Beyond we also recognize that...
French
English
YLaw Group

YLaw Group

Vancouver, Canada

Founded in 2013
50 people in their team
YLaw | Top Family, Estate and Immigration LawyersYLaw is an award-winning family, estate, and immigration law firm in Vancouver with an exceptional...
French
English
Verhaeghe Law Office

Verhaeghe Law Office

Edmonton, Canada

Founded in 2008
50 people in their team
About Verhaeghe Law OfficeOur Legal TeamOur team of Edmonton lawyers has years of experience working both in and out of Edmonton courtrooms, with...
French
English
Alepin Gauthier Avocats

Alepin Gauthier Avocats

Montreal, Canada

Founded in 1978
50 people in their team
Alepin Gauthier Avocats was founded in 1978 by Me François Alepin. A few years later, Me Brigitte Gauthier joined the firm and quickly became a...
French
English
Ogilvie LLP

Ogilvie LLP

Edmonton, Canada

Founded in 1920
50 people in their team
Your future is our focus.Ogilvie was built in 1920 on a tradition of building relationships and working alongside our clients, and that is still our...
French
English
Franklin & Franklin

Franklin & Franklin

Montreal, Canada

Founded in 1925
50 people in their team
Franklin & Franklin was founded in 1925 by M.H. Franklin, Q.C. and now, 100 years and 3 generations later, we are still considered the premier...
French
English
Crossroads Law

Crossroads Law

Vancouver, Canada

Founded in 2017
50 people in their team
OUR FAMILY LAW FIRMAt Crossroads Law, our goal is to help our clients successfully navigate the family law system in Calgary and Vancouver to reach...
French
English
Delaney's Law Firm

Delaney's Law Firm

Ottawa, Canada

Founded in 2006
50 people in their team
I founded Delaney’s Law Firm after my first year of practice in 2006. 15 years later the firm has built a solid reputation in Ottawa for legal...
French
English
Shaikh Law Firm

Shaikh Law Firm

Toronto, Canada

Founded in 2000
50 people in their team
Our MissionOur mission is to surpass in selected areas of law by providing unmatched legal services.Our PhilosophyOur philosophy is to provide a...
French
English
Schwalb Legal

Schwalb Legal

Montreal, Canada

Founded in 2014
50 people in their team
ExperienceWhether you are a foreign national making an application for a temporary employment, student visa, a permanent resident visa, a business or...
French
English

About Child Custody Law in Canada

Child custody in Canada refers to the legal rights and responsibilities that parents have in relation to their children following a separation or divorce. The goal of child custody laws in Canada is to prioritize the best interests of the child while ensuring that both parents have meaningful involvement in their upbringing.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

There are several situations in which you may need a lawyer to assist you with child custody matters. Some common scenarios include:

  • Disputes over custody arrangements
  • Concerns about the safety or well-being of the child
  • Parental relocation
  • Enforcement of custody orders

Local Laws Overview

Key aspects of child custody laws in Canada include:

  • Legal custody: the right to make important decisions about the child's upbringing
  • Physical custody: where the child will live on a day-to-day basis
  • Joint custody: shared decision-making and parenting responsibilities
  • Best interests of the child: the primary consideration in custody decisions

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How is child custody determined in Canada?

In Canada, child custody is determined based on the best interests of the child. Factors such as the child's relationship with each parent, their emotional and physical well-being, and their own preferences are taken into account.

2. Can grandparents or other relatives seek custody of a child?

Under certain circumstances, grandparents or other relatives may seek custody of a child if it is in the child's best interests. However, the rights of parents are typically given priority in custody disputes.

3. What is the difference between legal custody and physical custody?

Legal custody refers to the right to make important decisions about the child's upbringing, such as education, healthcare, and religion. Physical custody, on the other hand, refers to where the child will live on a day-to-day basis.

4. Can parents have joint custody in Canada?

Yes, parents can have joint custody in Canada, which involves shared decision-making and parenting responsibilities. This arrangement is typically preferred when both parents are able to cooperate and communicate effectively.

5. How can a custody order be enforced in Canada?

If a parent is not complying with a custody order, the other parent can seek legal enforcement through the court system. This may involve filing a motion for contempt or requesting a modification of the custody order.

6. Can a parent relocate with a child without the other parent's consent?

In most cases, a parent cannot relocate with a child without the other parent's consent or a court order. If the move would significantly impact the child's relationship with the other parent, permission may be required.

7. How are custody arrangements modified in Canada?

If circumstances change and a modification of a custody arrangement is necessary, either parent can apply to the court for a variation of the existing order. The court will consider the best interests of the child when making a decision.

8. What rights do children have in custody proceedings?

In Canada, children have the right to be heard in custody proceedings, particularly if they are old enough to express their own preferences. Their views and wishes are taken into consideration by the court.

9. What role do child support payments play in custody arrangements?

Child support payments are separate from custody arrangements and are intended to ensure that both parents contribute financially to the child's upbringing. The amount of child support is determined based on federal guidelines.

10. How can I protect my rights in a child custody case?

To protect your rights in a child custody case, it is recommended to seek legal advice from a qualified family lawyer. A lawyer can help you navigate the legal system, advocate for your interests, and ensure that the best interests of your child are prioritized.

Additional Resources

For more information and resources related to child custody in Canada, you may consider reaching out to the following organizations:

  • Family Law Information Centres (FLIC)
  • Canadian Bar Association (CBA)
  • Legal Aid services in your province or territory

Next Steps

If you require legal assistance with child custody matters in Canada, it is important to consult with a family lawyer who specializes in this area of law. A lawyer can provide you with personalized advice and representation to help you navigate the complexities of child custody proceedings effectively.

Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. While we strive to present accurate and up-to-date information, we cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or currentness of the content. Laws and regulations can change frequently, and interpretations of the law can vary. Therefore, you should consult with qualified legal professionals for specific advice tailored to your situation. We disclaim all liability for actions you take or fail to take based on any content on this page. If you find any information to be incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will make efforts to rectify it.