Child support: a major issue during a separation
When a couple separates, the question of child custody often becomes a sensitive and delicate subject.
This decision has profound repercussions on the child’s well-being and on family relationships in the long term. The intense emotions associated with separation or divorce can make it difficult to make rational decisions, thus risking compromising the child’s emotional and psychological balance.
This is why it is essential that every decision concerning custody be made in the sole interest of the child, putting aside any personal conflicts between the parents.
In the absence of any other agreement between the parents, the court will choose the arrangements that best respect the interests of the child.
The importance of the child’s interest in custody decisions
The fundamental principle that guides decisions regarding childcare is the best interests of the child. This concept, recognised in family law, implies that any decision must be made according to the needs of the child rather than the preferences of the parents.
Several factors are taken into account:
- Maintaining the child’s stability: It is essential to ensure continuity in his or her living environment, education and social relationships.
- The quality of the relationship between the child and each parent: The child must be able to maintain a strong and regular emotional bond with both parents.
- The ability of parents to provide for the child’s needs: This includes not only the financial aspect, but also emotional availability and educational ability.
- The child’s opinion: Depending on their age and level of maturity, the judge may take their opinion into consideration. Any custody decision must therefore aim to ensure a healthy, stable and safe environment for the child, while respecting their emotional needs and development.
The different childcare options
Depending on the family situation and the parents’ abilities, several childcare options can be put in place. Each option has its own specific features and responds to different realities.
1. Sole custody
Sole custody means that the child lives mainly with one of the parents, while the other parent has visiting and accommodation rights. This arrangement may be agreed amicably between the parents or imposed by the judge if the child’s interests justify it.
1.1. Exclusive care with limited access rights (0 to 72 days per year)
When the non-custodial parent sees their child between 0 and 72 days per year, this is referred to as sole custody with limited access rights. This may result from an agreement between the parents or a court decision taking into account particular circumstances, such as geographical distance or the personal situation of the non-custodial parent.
1.2. Exclusive custody with extended access rights (73 to 145 days per year)
If the non-custodial parent spends between 73 and 145 days a year with their child, this is referred to as sole custody with extended access rights. This type of custody allows for a closer bond with the child, without necessarily resulting in a balanced distribution of parental time.
In certain situations, it may be necessary to supervise these access rights, particularly when the safety or well-being of the child is at stake.
1.3. Supervised access rights
When one of the parents displays behaviour that could endanger the child (violence, drug addiction, mental instability), the judge may impose supervised access rights. This means that meetings between the child and the non-custodial parent must take place under the supervision of a trusted third party or a professional.
1.3.1. Who can supervise access?
The judge may authorise a family member or close friend to supervise the meetings, provided that this person is deemed capable of ensuring a safe environment. In some cases, supervision by a specialised professional may be ordered.
1.3.2. Where do the supervised accesses take place?
Supervised meetings can take place at the home of the supervisor, in a specialised centre or in a neutral location defined by the court. The aim is to ensure safe and positive interactions between the child and the parent concerned.
2. Shared custody
Shared custody allows the child to spend significant time with each of his or her parents. It is generally favoured when the parents are able to collaborate and maintain healthy communication.
2.1. 50-50 shared custody
Under a 50-50 shared custody arrangement, the child spends an equal number of days with each parent (182.5 days per year). This arrangement requires a great deal of cooperation and good parental organisation.
There are several childcare models: • The ‘7 days/7 days’ mode: The child spends a full week with one parent, then the other week with the other parent. • The ‘2 days/2 days/3 days’ mode: Suitable for young children, this model allows for more frequent transitions. • The ‘2 days/2 days/5 days/5 days’ mode: Also known as the ‘5-2-2-5 formula’, it allows the child to see each parent regularly, while maintaining a certain stability.
2.2. Shared custody 60-40
When one of the parents has the child between 146 and 219 days a year, this is known as 60-40 shared custody. Although the time is not strictly equal, this distribution is recognised as shared custody in the eyes of the law. It can be implemented when one of the parents has work constraints or specific obligations, while guaranteeing significant involvement in the child’s life.
How to choose the best childcare option?
The choice of type of care depends on several factors, including:
- The age of the child: A young child may need more stability, while a teenager may be more comfortable with more frequent transitions.
- Relations between parents: Healthy communication favours shared custody, while persistent conflict may make sole custody more appropriate.
- Geographical proximity: Shared childcare works best when parents live close to each other.
- Parental skills: Each parent must be able to fulfil their educational and emotional responsibilities.
Child support: a difficult decision
The question of childcare is a complex decision that must be taken with the utmost care.
Every family is unique, so it is essential to analyse the specific situation of the child and their parents to find the most suitable solution.
The child’s interests must remain the top priority, and decisions must be guided by the child’s welfare rather than the parents’ disagreements.
If the parents cannot reach an agreement, consulting a lawyer specialising in family law or mediation can be an effective solution to find a compromise that is balanced and respectful of the child’s needs.
NOTE: This article does not constitute legal advice. It is intended solely to inform readers about certain aspects of child custody in Quebec, including the criteria taken into account by the courts, the different custody arrangements and the importance of the best interests of the child.