The Divorce Act Changes Explained

Definitions

Contact order
(Section 2(1), Divorce Act)

New section

contact order means an order made under subsection 16.5(1); (ordonnance de contact)

Old section

None.

What is the change

The amendment defines “contact order” by referring to the relevant new provision in the Act.

Reason for the change

Someone other than a spouse (such as a grandparent) who wants time carved out of a child’s schedule to visit or communicate with the child may apply for a contact order under s 16.5, with leave of the court. A decision about whether to make a contact order would be made based on the best interests of the child.

When

March 1, 2021.