Building Up Kids - Camila Troughton - Separation & Divorce Homepage

SEPARATION & DIVORCE

The principle governing the heart of Canadian family law is “the best interests of the child”. When families are going through separation and divorce we need to closely examine exactly what this means, family by family.

Just as children are constantly developing so too, the plans that we form, must be adaptable to children’s changing needs. Plans need to be clear, flexible and generous just when parents are feeling disoriented, hurt and mistrustful.

Where can we go for advice? resources? best practices? support?

Children have the right to:

Develop and maintain an independent relationship with each parent.

Be free of the conflict between the parents.

Be free from having to take over the parental responsibility for making custody/visitation decisions.

Be free from having to take sides with, defend, or downgrade either parent.

Be guided, taught, supervised, disciplined and nurtured by each parent, without interference from the other parent.

Be financially supported by both parents, regardless of how much time is spent with each parent.

Spend time with each parent, regardless of whether or not financial support is given.

A personal sleeping area and space for possessions in each parent's home.

Be physically safe and adequately supervised when in the care of each parent.

A stable, consistent and responsible child care arrangement when not supervised by the parents.

Develop and maintain meaningful relationships with other significant adults, as long as these relationships do not interfere with or replace the children’s primary relationship with the parents.

Expect that both parents will follow through with the child care plan, honoring specific commitments for scheduled time with the children.

Both parents being informed about medical, dental, educational and legal matters concerning the children, unless such disclosure would prove harmful to the children.

Expect that their parents will consider any special needs (developmental, mental, emotional or physical) they might have when arranging a child care plan.

Participate in age-appropriate activities so long as these activities do not significantly impair their relationship with either parent.

Pima County Superior Court

INFORMATION