The Ones We Love Most

Custody and access to children is a contentious matter. The law has the intent to protect children. When it comes to our children, it can be very hard to come to an agreement. However, issues of custody can be determined either 1. between the parties or 2. by the courts.

When you need legal advice, it is unlikely that you have an agreement with the other party. In this case it may be necissary to present the case to the Court. A lawyer will represent you and your rights as well as make your legal case to the judiciary.

Courts Seek Maximum Protection For Child

Child protection includes all of the child’s needs and circumstances; this includes physical, psychological, and emotional safety. Consideration is given to the history of care for the child including culture, language, religious or spiritual circumstances.

The definitions are made in legal acts as well as recent court judgments. A lawyer will keep abreast of all decisions and help you understand what case you have.

Useful Definitions:

Sole Custody One party makes decisions regarding the child without consulting the other.
Joint Custody Parties remain amicableDefinition: having a spirit of friendliness; without serious disagreement or rancor.. Both parents equally participate in decision making.
Shared Custody Parties remain amicable. Equal decision making. Child may have two residences and move back and forth.
Split Custody This is a court decision to split up the children from eachother. For example, one child may go with one parent and another child may go with the other.
Access This can be by agreement (i.e. mediation) or can be defined as a set amount of time that one of the parents is entitled to spend with the child and may be supervised.
No Access In rare cases the court may find that interaction with the non-custodial parent is harmful to the child.

Child Support

 

The law says both parties have a financial obligation to support a child. The amount that they are responsible to provide is based on relative abilities and the support of the child. Additionally, there are Federal and Alberta Child Support Guidelines which specify payment amounts. Learn more.

Child Protection

Family Violence Info Line 310‑1818
Bullying Helpline 1‑888‑456‑2323

Child Protective Services or the Court may impose counselling, addictions treatment, parenting classes, or other programs. QED has experience working with parents, mothers, fathers, and families to ensure rights are upheld. Alberta programs and voluntary agreements may serve the same effect without the requirement of a trial. Learn more.

Tough, Honest, Recommended

Ready For Trial

When your needs can be met outside of court then they are. When you go to trial, QED goes with you. Brooks Topp (a lawyer at QED in Alberta) brings over 14+ years of experience to the Provincial Court, The Court of Queen’s Bench, or the Appeals Court.