What Parenting Arrangements are Available in Saskatchewan?
One of the most important decisions in a divorce is how to handle parenting arrangements. Typically, both parents try to gain as much parenting time as possible, and Saskatchewan judges attempt to make things fair while keeping both parents in the lives of the children. However, there are some situations, such as those of abuse or neglect, where the children are not safe in the care of one of the parents.
If you are considering divorce and need help reaching an arrangement with your spouse regarding parenting time, our experienced legal practitioners in parenting agreements can help. We have assisted countless clients with finding solutions to complex parenting issues, including cases where matters were resolved without the time-consuming, expensive court process. Call our legal team today at 306-975-7151 to discuss your unique needs with our talented lawyers and see how we can help you.
Sole Decision-Making
In some divorce cases, one parent is awarded sole decision-making abilities. When this occurs, the parent with sole decision-making powers can legally make all the decisions for the child. This arrangement may be appropriate depending on each parent’s mental and decision-making abilities.
Joint Decision-Making
When a joint decision-making agreement is reached, both parents share the responsibility of deciding how to handle the child’s welfare. Some decisions that can be shared between parents include healthcare, education, and other critical issues.
Parenting Schedule
In some parenting schedules, the child spends time living with both parents.
Split Parenting
When a couple uses split parenting for their parenting arrangement, one or more children live with one parent while the other parent lives with the other children in the family. This arrangement is not used often but may be helpful if an older child requests to live with one parent.
How Can I Obtain Full time care of My Children?
Some parents hope to obtain full time care of their children, meaning they share most of the time with the child and have the legal power to make decisions on behalf of their children. However, Saskatchewan courts usually strive to include both parents in the raising of the child as much as possible. To achieve full time care of your child, you should consider working with a skilled lawyer like those at our law firm.
Factors that Will Be Considered
Deciding where to place children following a divorce is a difficult decision. The arrangements may be settled in mediation outside the court system through an agreement between both parents. This is ideal since mediation saves the couple time and money and offers greater satisfaction in the long run. However, some couples can’t reach an agreement and must use a judge to make a final order on the parenting arrangement.
According to Saskatchewan law, when a judge considers each parent, they may take into account such factors as:
· Each parent’s parenting abilities
· Financial situation for each parent
· Emotional and mental health of each parent
· The child’s wishes
· Observations of the child’s interactions with each parent
· The child’s current living arrangements
· Who the primary caregiver was before the divorce
· Location of each parent’s home in relation to the child’s school and activities
Parenting Arrangement for the other Parent
When one parent is awarded full time care of the children, the other parent will typically still be a part of the child’s life depending on the individual’s ability to give the child a safe environment. For example, if the other parent is unable to care for the child, they may be awarded a supervised parenting arrangement.
Consulting with a Lawyer about Parenting Arrangements
When going through a divorce, you need support and legal counsel to get the best possible outcome in parenting matters. You know your children’s unique needs better than anyone, and a lawyer can help you share your perspective on the best parenting arrangement. Your lawyer can help you understand your options regarding parenting, including involving grandparents, parenting arrangements, joint decision-making, and other solutions.
Should You Hire Our Saskatchewan Lawyers?
During a divorce, you may be facing many challenging emotions and decisions. One of the most difficult matters to resolve is how to divide the time between parents following the end of the marriage. If you need help getting answers and finding solutions with your spouse, you can rely on our skilled family law lawyers.
At Panko Collaborative Law, we understand how difficult it can be to work out parenting issues during a divorce. We will stand by your side throughout this challenging time to support you in your needs and goals, offering you creative legal solutions. We have helped many clients avoid the court system as we find solutions through mediation, saving time and money. We will leverage our experience, skill, and honesty to help get you positive outcomes in your parenting case.
Don’t go it alone with so much at stake. Call our caring, capable legal team today at 306-975-7151 to schedule a consultation where you can learn more about your parenting and find a parenting arrangement that works for you.