Understanding Parental Responsibilities and Parenting Time in British Columbia

Parental Responsibilities and Parenting Time are important issues that arise in family law matters involving children. In British Columbia these issues are governed by the Family Law Act. Here is a brief overview of Parental Responsibilities and Parenting Time in British Columbia:

Parental Responsibilities

Parental Responsibilities refers to the legal authority to make decisions about a child's care and upbringing. There are two types of Parental Responsibilities:

Sole

Sole Parental Responsibilities means that one parent has the legal authority to make all major decisions about the child's care and upbringing. This includes decisions about the child's education, health care, and religious upbringing.

Joint

Joint Parental Responsibilities means that both parents have an equal say in making major decisions about the child's care and upbringing. This requires both parents to work together and communicate effectively.

Parenting Time

Parenting Time refers to the right of a parent or other family member to spend time with a child. In British Columbia, access is generally granted to the non-custodial parent. There are different types of access arrangements, including:

Scheduled Parenting Time

Scheduled access means that the non-custodial parent has specific times and dates to spend time with the child. This can include weekends, holidays, and school breaks.

Reasonable Parenting Time

Reasonable access means that the non-custodial parent has the right to spend time with the child as agreed upon by both parents. This type of Parenting Time is more flexible and can be adjusted as needed.

Best Interests of the Child

In all Parental Responsibilities and Parenting Time matters, the best interests of the child are the primary consideration. This means that the court will consider factors such as the child's age, relationship with each parent, and the ability of each parent to care for the child.

Mediation and Collaborative Law

Mediation and collaborative law are encouraged to resolve child custody and access disputes. These methods focus on finding a solution that works for both parents and the child, rather than relying on a judge to make a decision.

In conclusion, Parental Responsibilities and Parenting Time are important issues that arise in family law matters involving children in Canada. Understanding the different types of Parental Responsibilities and Parenting Time arrangements, as well as the best interests of the child, is essential for parents navigating the legal system. Mediation and collaborative law can also be effective ways to resolve disputes and find a solution that works for everyone involved.