The 2021 Divorce Act introduced major reforms focusing on children’s wellbeing and modernized family law terminology.
Canada’s updated Divorce Act brought significant changes to family law on March 1, 2021. The legislation prioritizes children’s best interests and introduces more comprehensive guidelines for family justice.
Key changes include:
- Replacing terms like “custody” and “access” with parenting time and decision-making responsibility
- New requirements for parental relocation including mandatory notice periods
- Enhanced measures to address family violence and its impact on children
- Establishing clear guidelines for cases involving multiple jurisdictions
- Promoting alternative dispute resolution and family mediation services
The modernized Act encourages parents to focus on their children’s needs while providing clearer frameworks for legal professionals and courts to address family law matters.