Amendments to the Divorce Act geared toward putting the needs of the child first.
Significant changes to Canada’s Divorce Act are coming into force March 1.
These new laws are designed to promote children’s best interests, reduce family violence, help reduce poverty, and make the justice system more accessible and efficient.
Legal Aid Alberta has family law experts who are available to speak to different aspects of these important changes, which include:
“It really puts a focus on the child as the centre of everything. Their needs are more important than mom’s needs, dad’s needs, and the grandparent’s needs.”
Andrea Doyle, senior advisory counsel on family and immigration law, Legal Aid Alberta
“For the first time, the Divorce Act mentions family violence and coercive control, and includes the definition of family member. This is significant because it is something that family violence advocates have been fighting for. The court must now consider violence involving the people who are in the child’s family or in a family-like relationship with the child.”
Jessica Chapman, staff family lawyer, Legal Aid Alberta
“Overall, the changes take a more pragmatic and practical view of relocation, giving the courts the ability to look at all factors and a more holistic picture for the child. It’s not simply about why the move is happening or the distance, but the impact of it on the child.”
Tahira Karim, staff family lawyer, Legal Aid Alberta
Media contact
Richard Cairney
Senior Communications Officer
Legal Aid Alberta
780-721-8951
[email protected]
About Legal Aid Alberta
Legal Aid Alberta is a not-for-profit organization that provides legal representation and support for Albertans facing legal issues.
LAA provides legal services to clients in support of fairness in Alberta’s justice system – services that help ensure Albertans in all circumstances can understand and defend their legal rights.
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