Vancouver Child Custody and Parenting Time
Our Vancouver child custody lawyers know that child custody disputes are arguably, the most intense and complicated area of family law in British Columbia.
Our child custody lawyers specialize and focus exclusively in family law. We remain on the cutting-edge of child custody disputes. With over a 90% success rate in court for the years of 2014 and 2015, our experienced lawyers are polished litigators who are as comfortable in the courtroom as we are at the mediation table. A child custody lawyer at YLaw Group can help you with every aspect of child custody, parenting time and contact arrangements.
Best Interests of the Child in Vancouver
Children come first in divorce and the Family Law Act codifies this very important concept. When separating, it is important that arrangements be made regarding the custody of a child to ensure that child’s emotional and physical needs are put first, before the parent’s interests. Learn more about what are considered a child’s best interests are:
Shared Parenting in Vancouver
A shared parenting arrangement would apply if the child resides with each parent more than 40 percent of the time. You both have authority to make important decisions regarding the child and share equally in the childcare responsibilities. Also, child support is determined by way of an income-set off.
Child Primary Residence & Contact in Vancouver
In a primary residence arrangement, the child resides with one parent and the other is will have parenting time, unless the contact with the parent is deemed unhealthy or unsafe. The court considers a long list of factors when determining whether a primary residence arrangement is in the child’s best interests. The primary caregiver is authorized to make day-to-day decisions that concern the child and often has a duty to inform the parent with contact about major issues. Contact may also be available for the child’s other relatives.
Child Alienation Syndrome in Vancouver
Child alienation occurs when a child expresses hatred or exclusion of one parent while siding with the other parent for no apparent reason. A parent’s vicious, hostile, and disparaging words or actions are typically at the root of this devastating syndrome. YLaw specializes in child alienation cases and encourages you to take immediate action to prevent permanent harm to your child.
Family Violence or Child Abuse in Vancouver
Anybody who suspects there is an issue with family violence or child abuse, has a legal obligation to report their concerns to the Ministry of Family and Children’s Services. In response, the Ministry investigates and takes steps to protect the child. The protection of a child is of foremost concern if she or he is abused. However, mistakes or false accusations can interfere with a parent’s rights, even denial of contact. You have the right to defend yourself in the child protection process.
Relocation & Child Custody in Vancouver
A job offer, relationship, family or new beginning may draw you to another community after your separation. However, you must give notice if you plan to take your child with you. If the other parent objects, you must demonstrate that the relocation is in your child’s best interests. As the parent challenging relocation, you should be prepared to counter assertions regarding best interests.
Child Abduction in Vancouver
A parent does not have the unilateral right to deny contact with the other parent or to remove the child to another location. Doing so is considered child abduction and is against the law. If the other parent has abducted your child, law enforcement will seek his or her safe return. If you suspect an angry or a vengeful parent is contemplating abduction, you have recourse in the family law courts.
Changing Custody Orders in Vancouver
To change a custody order, you must demonstrate a material change in circumstances. The judge then considers whether the change is in the best interest of the child. As child custody orders are notoriously difficult to amend, our experienced child custody lawyers anticipate issues that might arise and incorporate solutions in your original order.
Get Experienced Help from a Vancouver Child Custody Lawyer
Your child’s well-being is of the greatest important to you. Take steps to protect your parental rights and your child’s best interests during and after your divorce. Contact YLaw Group to get the help you need from an experienced Vancouver child custody lawyer or call us at 604-974-9529.