Domestic Violence and Family Court in Saskatchewan
How Saskatchewan courts may consider domestic violence in parenting determinations.
Understanding Custody and Parenting-Time in Domestic Violence Cases
Custody and Parenting-Time Basics
Custody refers to the legal rights and responsibilities a parent has for a child, including decisions about the child's care, education, and health. Parenting time, sometimes called visitation, means the time a parent spends with their child. Courts aim to support the child's best interests when determining custody and parenting-time arrangements.
Raising Domestic Violence Concerns
If there are concerns about domestic violence (DV) affecting a child’s safety or well-being, these can be raised during custody or parenting-time proceedings. Courts consider whether a parent’s behavior could pose risks to the child or the other parent. It is important that these concerns be communicated clearly to the court.
Evidence Courts May Consider
Courts may review different types of evidence when evaluating custody and parenting-time issues in cases involving DV. This can include:
- Protective orders or restraining orders related to domestic violence
- Police reports or incident records
- Testimonies from witnesses or professionals
- Medical or counseling records relevant to safety or well-being
Supervised Parenting Options
In some cases, courts may order supervised parenting time to help ensure the child’s safety during visits. This means a neutral third party is present during parenting time to supervise interactions. Supervision can be arranged through a service provider, a family member, or a trusted individual approved by the court.
Additional support options and legal information can be found through resources listed at DV.Support.