What is a shared parenting arrangement in Alberta? What does it imply or mean?

A shared parenting arrangement in Alberta refers to a situation where separated or divorced parents both take an active role in raising their children. This concept is guided by the belief that it is generally in the best interest of the child to have substantial and consistent contact with both parents.

Legal Framework

In Alberta, shared parenting is governed by the Family Law Act and the Divorce Act for married couples. These laws focus on the best interests of the child, considering various factors such as the child’s physical, emotional, and psychological needs, and the ability of each parent to meet these needs.

Implications of Shared Parenting

1. Equal Parenting Time: Shared parenting often implies an equitable distribution of parenting time, but it doesn’t necessarily mean an exact 50/50 split. The arrangement should reflect the child’s best interests and the practicality of the situation.
2. Decision Making: Shared parenting also involves both parents in major decision-making processes about the child’s welfare, including education, health care, and religious upbringing.
3. Cooperative Parenting: This arrangement requires a high level of cooperation and communication between parents. It’s essential for them to work together to ensure consistency and stability in the child’s life.
4. Flexibility and Adaptability: Shared parenting arrangements can be tailored to suit the unique needs of each family. The schedule and specifics can be adapted as children grow and circumstances change.
5. Legal and Physical Custody: In a shared parenting arrangement, both legal and physical custody aspects are shared. Legal custody refers to decision-making rights, while physical custody pertains to where the child lives.

Benefits and Challenges

• Benefits: Shared parenting supports the child’s relationship with both parents, can improve the quality of parent-child relationships, and provides a more balanced lifestyle for the child.
• Challenges: It requires effective communication and cooperation between parents, which can be difficult in contentious separations. Logistics, such as living arrangements and scheduling, can also be complex.

Implementation in Alberta

• Parenting Plans: Alberta courts often encourage or require a detailed parenting plan. This plan outlines how parents will share responsibilities and make decisions.
• Legal Support: Parents can seek legal advice to understand their rights and responsibilities and to draft a parenting plan that meets legal requirements.
• Court Involvement: In cases of disagreement, the court may intervene to establish a shared parenting arrangement that upholds the child’s best interests.

Shared parenting in Alberta is a child-centered approach that emphasizes the involvement of both parents in a child’s life post-separation or divorce. It requires a cooperative spirit, effective communication, and a flexible approach to meet the changing needs of the child. While it presents certain challenges, the benefits for the child’s development and well-being can be significant.

Author: Lucy Diale Mewanu