The Minister of Justice, Jody Wilson Raybould, recently introduced Bill C-78, An Act to amend the Divorce Act, the Family Orders and Agreements Enforcement Assistance Act and the Garnishment, Attachment and Pension Diversion Act and to make consequential amendments to another Act. This is the first major overhaul to the Divorce Act since the child support guidelines were enacted in 1997.

Some of the reforms included in the Bill include:

  • Establishing a framework for relocating a child;
  • Fleshing out the term “best interest of the child”;
  • Provide for orders requiring contact with a child for another person, e.g. a grandparent.

The federal government has been consulting with members of the family bar and other stakeholders for the past two years in preparation for this bill.

Commentary from The Lawyers Daily: Bar Gives Good Initial Reviews

A Brief Overview of Bill C-78, Part 2, by John-Paul Boyd

A Brief Overview of Bill C-78, Part 1, by John-Paul Boyd

 

Please note: The library will be closing early on Friday, December 13th at 11:00AM for a special event.  Regular library service will resume Monday, December 16th at 8:30AM.