When parents separate or divorce, Parenting issues are often the most emotionally charged and legally complex matters they face. In Calgary, parenting disputes are resolved through Alberta’s family court system, guided by family law principles that place the child’s best interest above everything else.
Understanding how parenting works in Calgary can help parents make informed decisions and reduce unnecessary conflict.
Custody Language Has Changed
Modern Canadian family law has moved away from traditional “custody” and “access” terminology. Today, courts focus on parenting arrangements, which include:
- Decision-making responsibility – authority over major decisions such as education, healthcare, and religion
- Parenting time – when a child resides with each parent
This change reflects a child-centered approach rather than a parent-versus-parent framework.
The Best Interests of the Child
All custody decisions in Calgary are made based on the best interests of the child. Parental preference alone is not determinative.
Courts consider factors such as:
- The child’s emotional, physical, and psychological needs
- The strength of the child’s relationship with each parent
- Stability and continuity in the child’s life
- Each parent’s ability to support the child’s development
- Any history of family violence or safety concerns
The focus is on creating a stable, nurturing environment for the child.
Types of Parenting Arrangements
There is no standard parenting arrangement. Common structures include:
- Shared Parenting
Both parents have significant parenting time and shared decision-making responsibility. - Primary Parenting
The child lives primarily with one parent, while the other has scheduled parenting time. - Split Parenting
In rare cases, siblings may live primarily with different parents.
The appropriate arrangement depends on the child’s needs, not labels or assumptions.
Parenting Plans
Courts strongly encourage parents to develop written parenting plans. These plans typically address:
- Weekly schedules
- Holidays and school breaks
- Decision-making responsibilities
- Communication methods
- Dispute resolution processes
Clear parenting plans reduce misunderstandings and future court involvement.
Can a Child Decide Where They Live?
There is no fixed age at which a child can choose where they live. However, a child’s views may be considered depending on maturity, consistency, and circumstances.
Courts assess whether the child’s preferences are independent and genuinely reflect their best interests.
Relocation and Mobility Issues
Relocation disputes are common in Calgary, particularly when one parent seeks to move to another neighborhood, city, or province.
Courts carefully examine:
- The reason for the move
- The impact on the child’s relationship with both parents
- Whether reasonable alternatives exist
Legal advice is essential in relocation cases.
When Calgary Parents Should Seek Legal Advice
Legal guidance from a Calgary Family Lawyer is especially important when:
- Parents cannot agree on parenting arrangements
- Communication has broken down
- Safety concerns exist
- One parent plan to relocate
Early legal advice can prevent disputes from escalating into prolonged litigation.
Final Thoughts
Parenting arrangements in Calgary are about children—not parental rights. Parents who approach the process with preparation, cooperation, and legal guidance are more likely to achieve stable, child-focused outcomes.