Domestic Violence and Family Court in the Northwest Territories
How domestic violence may affect custody and parenting decisions in the NWT.
Understanding Parenting and Custody in Domestic Violence Situations
Parenting and Custody Basics
Custody decisions relate to who will care for and make decisions about a child. Parenting arrangements can involve sole custody, where one parent has primary responsibility, or joint custody, where both share responsibilities. These decisions ideally focus on the child's wellbeing and stability.
Raising Domestic Violence Concerns
If there are concerns about domestic violence, these can be shared with the court or during custody evaluations. It is important to communicate clearly about any risks or patterns of behavior that may affect a child's safety or emotional health.
Evidence Courts Often Consider
Court decisions may take into account various forms of evidence, such as:
- Documentation of past incidents, like police reports or protective orders
- Witness statements or affidavits
- Records from counselors, therapists, or social workers
- Any relevant communication that shows patterns of behavior
Supervised Access Possibilities
In some situations, courts may order supervised visitation to ensure a safe interaction between a parent and child. This can involve a neutral third party present during visits or use of agency-supported visitation centers.