Parenting & Custody (Decision‑Making & Parenting Time)
Understanding Parenting & Custody in Alberta
Alberta no longer uses the term “custody.” Under the Divorce Act (Canada) and Family Law Act (Alberta), parenting arrangements are described using:
- Decision‑Making Responsibility (formerly “custody”)
- Parenting Time (formerly “access”)
- Contact (for non‑guardians, such as grandparents)
The focus is always on the best interests of the child, not parental rights.
Decision‑Making Responsibility
Decision‑making responsibility refers to who makes major decisions about a child’s:
- Education
- Health care
- Religion and culture
- Activities and extracurriculars
- General welfare
Decision‑making can be:
- Joint (shared)
- Sole (one parent)
- Divided (each parent handles specific areas)
- Hybrid (joint overall, but one parent has final say in certain areas)
The goal is to ensure decisions are made in a way that supports the child’s stability and well‑being.
Parenting Time
Parenting time refers to when each parent is responsible for the child’s care. Common arrangements include:
- Primary Parenting (one parent has the majority of time)
- Shared Parenting (each parent has 40%+ time)
- Split Parenting (each parent has at least one child primarily in their care)
- Custom Schedules (week‑on/week‑off, 2‑2‑3, 5‑2, etc.)
Schedules are tailored to the child’s age, needs, and routine.
The Best Interests of the Child
All parenting decisions must prioritize the child’s best interests, including:
- Stability and routine
- The child’s physical, emotional, and psychological safety
- Each parent’s ability to meet the child’s needs
- The child’s relationship with each parent
- History of caregiving roles
- Any family violence concerns
- The child’s views (depending on age and maturity)
The law focuses on what supports the child, not what is “fair” to the parents.
Parenting Plans
A parenting plan outlines how parents will share responsibilities and time. A strong plan includes:
- Parenting schedules
- Holiday and vacation arrangements
- Decision‑making responsibilities
- Communication expectations
- Travel and mobility rules
- Dispute‑resolution processes
Clear plans reduce conflict and provide stability for children.
High-Conflict Parenting Situations
High‑conflict cases may involve:
- Communication breakdown
- Disputes over schedules
- Allegations of alienation
- Safety concerns
- Mental health or substance‑use issues
- Inconsistent parenting
These cases often require:
- Structured parenting plans
- Parallel parenting arrangements
- Court orders
- Parenting coordination
- Supervised parenting time (in rare cases)
The goal is to protect the child while reducing conflict.
Mobility & Relocation
Mobility cases arise when a parent wants to move with a child. Courts consider:
- The reason for the move
- The impact on the child
- The existing parenting relationship
- The feasibility of maintaining contact
- The child’s views
Mobility cases are complex and often require early legal advice.
Parenting for Infants and Young Children
For very young children, schedules may include:
- Shorter, more frequent visits
- Gradual transitions
- Consideration of feeding and sleep routines
The focus is on attachment, stability, and developmental needs.
Parenting for Teenagers
Teenagers often have:
- Strong preferences
- Busy schedules
- School and extracurricular commitments
Parenting plans for teens must be flexible and respect their growing independence.
Changing (Varying) Parenting Arrangements
Parenting orders and agreements can be changed when there is a material change in circumstances, such as:
- A child’s needs changing
- A parent’s work schedule shifting
- Safety concerns
- Relocation
- Changes in the child’s preferences
Variations can be resolved through negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or court.
Benefits and Limitations of Alberta’s Parenting Framework
- Child‑focused
- Flexible and customizable
- Encourages cooperation
- Supports shared parenting where appropriate
- Provides clear dispute‑resolution options
- High‑conflict cases may require court intervention
- Mobility disputes can be unpredictable
- Teenagers’ preferences can complicate schedules
- Enforcement may require additional step
Serving Calgary and Surrounding Communities
Parenting and custody services are available to clients across:
- Calgary
- Airdrie
- Cochrane
- Okotoks
- Chestermere
- High River
- Strathmore
- Rocky View County
- Foothills County
- And other Alberta communities
Build a Parenting Arrangement That Supports Your Child’s Well‑Being
Parenting decisions are among the most important and emotionally charged aspects of separation. Whether your situation is cooperative, complex, or high‑conflict, the right guidance ensures your child’s needs remain at the centre of every decision.
With clear, strategic advice, you can create a parenting arrangement that supports stability, reduces conflict, and protects your child’s long‑term well‑being.
Book a Confidential Consultation Today
Parenting and Custody in Alberta FAQs
What is the difference between “custody” and “parenting” in Alberta?
Alberta no longer uses the term custody. Parenting arrangements are described using:
- Decision‑Making Responsibility (major decisions)
- Parenting Time (when each parent cares for the child)
- Contact (for non‑guardians)
The focus is always on the best interests of the child.
What is decision‑making responsibility?
Decision‑making responsibility refers to who makes major decisions about a child’s:
- Health care
- Education
- Religion and culture
- Activities and general welfare
It can be joint, sole, divided, or hybrid, depending on what best supports the child.
How is parenting time determined?
Parenting time is based on the child’s best interests, considering:
- Stability and routine
- Each parent’s ability to meet the child’s needs
- The child’s relationship with each parent
- Work schedules and availability
- The child’s age and developmental needs
Schedules can be primary, shared, split, or fully customized.
What does “shared parenting” mean?
Shared parenting means each parent has the child 40% or more of the time.
This affects both parenting arrangements and child support calculations.
How do courts decide what is in the child’s best interests?
Courts consider:
- The child’s physical, emotional, and psychological safety
- The history of caregiving roles
- The child’s views (depending on age and maturity)
- Family violence concerns
- Stability and continuity
- Each parent’s ability to meet the child’s needs
The child’s well‑being is the central factor.
Can children choose which parent they want to live with?
A child’s views may be considered, especially for older children, but they are not the deciding factor. Courts balance the child’s wishes with their overall best interests.
What is a parenting plan?
A parenting plan outlines how parents will share responsibilities and time. It typically includes:
- Parenting schedules
- Holidays and vacations
- Decision‑making rules
- Communication expectations
- Travel and mobility guidelines
- Dispute‑resolution processes
Clear plans reduce conflict and provide stability.
What happens in high‑conflict parenting situations?
High‑conflict cases may require:
- Structured or parallel parenting plans
- Court orders
- Parenting coordination
- Supervised parenting time (in rare cases)
The goal is to protect the child and reduce conflict between parents.
What is supervised parenting time?
Supervised parenting may be ordered when there are concerns about:
- Safety
- Substance use
- Mental health issues
- Re‑establishing a relationship
Supervision can be provided by a professional agency or a trusted third party.
How do mobility or relocation cases work?
Mobility cases arise when a parent wants to move with a child. Courts consider:
- The reason for the move
- The impact on the child
- The existing parenting relationship
- The feasibility of maintaining contact
Mobility cases are complex and often require early legal advice.
How do parenting arrangements work for infants and young children?
For very young children, schedules may include:
- Shorter, more frequent visits
- Gradual transitions
- Consideration of feeding and sleep routines
The focus is on attachment and developmental needs.
How do parenting arrangements work for teenagers?
Teenagers often have:
- Strong preferences
- Busy schedules
- School and extracurricular commitments
Parenting plans for teens must be flexible and respect their growing independence.
Can parenting arrangements be changed?
Yes. Parenting orders and agreements can be varied when there is a material change in circumstances, such as:
- A child’s needs changing
- A parent’s work schedule shifting
- Safety concerns
- Relocation
- Changes in the child’s preferences.
What if one parent is not following the parenting order?
Enforcement options may include:
- Make‑up parenting time
- Police enforcement clauses
- Court applications
- Contempt proceedings (in serious cases)
The goal is to restore compliance and protect the child’s routine.
Do I need a lawyer to resolve parenting issues?
Not always. Parenting issues can be resolved through:
- Negotiation
- Mediation
- Parenting coordination
- Arbitration
- Court (if necessary)
Legal guidance ensures your child’s best interests are protected and your rights are clearly understood.
Content posted on our website is not legal advice. Please contact us for legal advice specific to your unique circumstances.