Family Law
Child Custody & Parenting Arrangements
What many people still call custody is now about parenting time and responsibilities. We help Surrey parents build arrangements that keep their children's best interests at the centre.
Nothing about separation is harder than worrying about your children. Where will they live, who decides about school and health care, and how do you keep their lives steady while yours is changing? These questions can feel overwhelming, and it is completely normal to be anxious about them. Our family lawyers help Surrey parents work through parenting issues with care, and we never lose sight of the fact that your children matter more to you than anything else.
You may have heard the words custody and access, and many people still use them. Canadian law has moved to language that better reflects real family life. The Divorce Act now speaks of parenting time and decision-making responsibility, while BC's Family Law Act uses guardianship, parenting arrangements and parental responsibilities. The change is more than wording. It shifts the focus away from winning and losing, and toward how parents will actually care for their children day to day.
Whatever the arrangement looks like, BC law is guided by a single consideration, the best interests of the child. That includes things like your child's health and emotional wellbeing, their relationships with each parent and other important people, their views where appropriate, and each parent's ability to care for them. A good parenting plan sets out schedules, holidays, communication and how decisions will be made, so everyone knows what to expect.
Most parenting arrangements are settled by agreement, often with the help of lawyers or a mediator, and never see the inside of a courtroom. Where parents cannot agree, or where sensitive issues like relocation arise, the court can decide. Either way, you do not have to navigate this alone. We offer a free case evaluation so you can understand your options and take the next step with confidence.
How we can help
Parenting plans
Building clear and workable plans covering parenting time, weekly schedules, holidays, travel and communication between two homes.
Guardianship
Explaining who is a guardian under BC law and how parental responsibilities are shared after separation.
Decision-making responsibility
Helping parents sort out how major decisions about schooling, health care and upbringing will be made going forward.
Relocation issues
Advising when one parent hopes to move with a child, and what BC law requires before that can happen.
Mediation and negotiation
Resolving parenting disagreements respectfully and out of court wherever possible, keeping the focus on your children.
Court applications
Representing you capably and calmly when agreement is not possible and a judge needs to decide the issues.
Common questions
Is custody still a legal term in BC?
The word custody no longer appears in Canadian family law. The Divorce Act uses parenting time and decision-making responsibility, and BC's Family Law Act uses guardianship, parenting arrangements and parental responsibilities. If you came here searching for custody, you are in the right place, and we can explain the modern terms.
How do courts decide parenting arrangements?
The only consideration is the best interests of the child. Courts look at factors like the child's emotional wellbeing and safety, their relationship with each parent, each parent's ability to care for them, and the child's own views where appropriate. Neither parent starts with an advantage based on gender or income.
Do children get a say in where they live?
A child's views can be considered where it is appropriate given their age and maturity. There is no fixed age in BC at which a child simply chooses. Their views are one factor among many in deciding what arrangement truly serves their best interests, and they are never asked to pick sides.
What is a parenting plan?
A parenting plan is a written arrangement setting out where children live, how time is shared, how holidays and special days work, and how parents will make decisions and communicate. It can form part of a separation agreement or a court order, and a clear plan prevents many future disagreements.
Can I move away with my children after separation?
Relocation is one of the most sensitive issues in family law. BC law generally requires notice to the other guardian before moving with a child, and disagreements are decided based on the child's best interests. If a move is on your mind, it is important to get advice before making plans.
What if we cannot agree on parenting?
Most parents get there eventually, often with help. Options include negotiation through lawyers, mediation and other out-of-court processes. Court is available when nothing else works, and sometimes an early decision brings needed stability. We can help you choose the path that fits your family during a free case evaluation.
Put your children's future on steady ground
No pressure and no obligation. Just a clear conversation about where you stand and what comes next.