The Divorce Act Changes Explained

Definitions

Parenting time
(Section 2(1), Divorce Act)

New section

parenting time means the time that a child of the marriage spends in the care of a person referred to in subsection 16.1(1), whether or not the child is physically with that person during that entire time; (temps parental)

Old section

None.

What is the change

The amendment defines “parenting time” as the period during which an individual is primarily responsible for the child, including when the child is in school or daycare.

Reason for the change

To emphasize the best interests of the child, the Act now features concepts and words that focus on relationships with children, such as parenting time and decision-making responsibility.

When

March 1, 2021.