The Divorce Act Changes Explained

Variation, rescission, suspension

Copy of order
(Section 17(11), Divorce Act)

New section

Subsection 17(11) of the Act is replaced by the following:

Copy of order

(11) Where a court makes a variation order in respect of a support order, parenting order or contact order made by another court, it shall send a copy of the variation order, certified by a judge or officer of the court, to that other court.
Old section

Copy of order

(11) Where a court makes a variation order in respect of a support order or a custody order made by another court, it shall send a copy of the variation order, certified by a judge or officer of the court, to that other court.

What is the change

This amendment introduces new language related to orders.

Reason for the change

To emphasize the best interests of the child, the Divorce Act now features concepts and words that focus on relationships with children, such as parenting and contact. The term “parenting order” replaces “custody order” throughout the Act, for instance. Similarly, the term “contact order” describes an order that sets out time for children to spend with important people who are not in a parental role, such as grandparents. This amendment simply replaces the former language related to custody with the new terms.

When

March 1, 2021.