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Bhardwaj+Co – Trusted Child Custody Lawyers in Edmonton
Separation or divorce often brings urgent questions about child custody. At Bhardwaj+Co, our experienced child custody lawyers in Edmonton help families navigate these legal matters with clarity and care.
Custody involves decision-making responsibility over key areas of a child’s life, such as health, education, and upbringing, while parenting time refers to when each parent is with the child. In many cases, joint custody allows both parents to share these responsibilities. However, certain situations may require sole custody to protect the child’s best interests.
We assist with creating clear parenting plans, drafting separation agreements, and resolving custody disputes. Whether you need a family lawyer for child custody or support with child custody agreements, our team is here to provide practical, compassionate legal advice tailored to your family’s needs.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Child Custody Lawyer
Facing a separation, divorce, or child custody matter? Book a free consultation with one of our experienced child custody lawyers in Edmonton. We’ll guide you through your options, help you create effective parenting plans or separation agreements, and work toward the best outcome for your family with clear, compassionate legal advice.
Why Choose Bhardwaj+Co as Your Lawyer for Child Custody
When you’re facing complex family law issues, you deserve a legal team that combines skill with compassion. At Bhardwaj+Co, we provide trusted support in even the most sensitive child custody matters, guiding you with clarity, care, and proven experience.
Experienced Family Lawyers Who Care
Our team of family lawyers brings deep knowledge of Alberta’s legal system and years of experience helping parents through separation, divorce, and custody arrangements. We understand how important your child’s well-being is—and we advocate for outcomes that protect their future. From the initial consultation to the final agreement, we’re here to support your rights and your child’s best interests.
Transparent Guidance Through Every Step
Legal matters involving child custody, decision-making responsibility, and parenting time can feel overwhelming. We break down the process, explain your legal options, and help you make confident decisions. Whether you’re negotiating a parenting plan, reviewing a separation agreement, or adjusting an existing custody arrangement, we offer honest, straightforward legal advice you can rely on.
Get Trusted Guidance Today from an Experienced Child Custody Lawyer in Edmonton at Bhardwaj+Co
Types of Child Custody Arrangements
Understanding your custody options is essential to creating a stable and supportive plan for your child. In Alberta, custody refers to the legal right to make major decisions about your child’s life, while parenting time refers to the time your child spends with each parent. Here’s how different arrangements work:
Sole Custody
In sole custody cases, one parent has full decision-making responsibility over the child’s upbringing. This option is usually considered when shared decision-making isn’t in the child’s best interest—often due to conflict, distance, or concerns for the child’s safety.
Joint Custody
Joint custody means both parents share legal authority and collaborate on major decisions affecting the child’s life, such as schooling, health care, and religion. This arrangement works best when both parents communicate effectively and prioritize the child’s needs.
Shared Parenting
In a shared parenting arrangement, the child spends roughly equal parenting time with both parents. It’s a common approach for parents seeking a balanced, cooperative plan that reflects joint involvement in the child’s daily life.
Split Custody
Split custody applies when there are multiple dependent children, and each parent has primary parenting time with at least one child. While less common, it may be suitable in specific family situations based on age, preferences, or practical needs.
Legal Process for Child Custody in Edmonton
Dealing with child custody during a separation or divorce can be overwhelming. At Bhardwaj+Co, we help families in Edmonton understand each step of the legal process and make informed choices rooted in Alberta’s family law. Here’s what to expect:
- Initial Consultation & Legal Assessment: You’ll meet with a child custody lawyer to discuss your situation, your goals, and any concerns about your child’s care or safety. This is where we assess your legal standing and provide guidance on custody options, parenting arrangements, and potential outcomes.
- Drafting a Separation Agreement: If both parents agree, we help formalize a separation agreement that outlines custody arrangements, parenting time, decision-making responsibility, and financial matters like child support. This agreement helps avoid lengthy court proceedings while ensuring stability for your child.
- Mediation or Negotiation: When there’s disagreement on custody terms, mediation or negotiation allows both parties to work toward a mutual solution. We act on your behalf to protect your parental rights and focus on your child’s best interests throughout this process.
- Court Involvement: If a resolution can’t be reached, the matter may proceed to family court. A judge will consider factors such as each parent’s relationship with the child, stability of the home, ability to make sound decisions, and any child protection matters that may affect custody.
- Final Custody Order or Agreement: Once a decision is reached—either through agreement or a court ruling—it becomes legally binding. These child custody agreements can be modified later if there are significant changes in the family’s circumstances, such as relocation, safety concerns, or evolving needs of the dependent children.
With Bhardwaj+Co, you don’t have to navigate this process alone. Our experienced child custody lawyers in Edmonton are here to guide you every step of the way with clear legal advice and a deep understanding of what families need during challenging times.
- Beaumont
- Bon Accord
- Calmar
- Devon
- Edmonton
- Fort Saskatchewan
- Gibbons
- Lacombe
- Leduc
- Morinville
- Spruce Grove
- St. Albert
- Stony Plain
- Strathcona County
- Sturgeon County
- Thorsby
- Warburg
- Toefield
- Wetaskiwin
Don't see your location here? Call us at (780) 222-2386 or contact us to find out if we can service your area!
Contact Our Edmonton Child Custody Lawyers Today
Contact Bhardwaj+Co today to book your free consultation and learn how our trusted child custody lawyers can help you navigate sensitive family law matters. Whether you’re going through a separation, divorce, or need help finalizing a parenting plan, we’ll guide you with clarity and compassion. Our team is here to help you understand your rights, protect your child’s well-being, and work toward a fair, lasting solution that supports your family’s future.
Call us at (780) 222-2386 to speak with a family lawyer for child custody and discover how we can support you through custody arrangements, parenting time disputes, separation agreements, and other complex child custody matters in Alberta.
Learn More About Child Custody Lawyers in Edmonton
What's the Difference Between Custody and Access Time?
In Alberta family law, it's important to understand the difference between custody and access time. Custody refers to a parent’s legal right to make key decision-making choices about their child(ren), such as medical treatments, education, and religious upbringing. This is often referred to as decision-making responsibility.
Access time, commonly known as parenting time, refers to when a child is physically in the care of a parent. Even if one parent is the primary caretaker, they may not have sole custody. Both parents may still share joint decision-making responsibilities, depending on what’s in the best interests of the child.
The parent who is not the primary caretaker is often referred to as the access parent. This parent’s access time is typically outlined in a court order or agreement, often scheduled for weekends, holidays, or alternating weeks. The goal is always to ensure the child(ren) benefit from time with both parents whenever possible.


What Does a Child Custody Lawyer Do?
A child custody lawyer plays a critical role in helping parents protect their rights and secure fair parenting time during a separation or divorce. Whether you're just beginning to explore your options or are already in the middle of a dispute, our team provides clear legal guidance tailored to your family’s unique situation.
When parents separate, it’s common for one parent to initially have more time with the child(ren), especially on weekdays. However, the other parent may seek shared or equal parenting. As experienced child custody lawyers, we help you build a strategic plan to maximize your involvement in your child’s life.
Our goal is to support you in achieving a balanced, fair arrangement that prioritizes the child(ren)'s well-being. If you're a committed, responsible parent and not a risk to your child(ren), the Court generally favors parenting plans that allow for meaningful time with both parents. We’re he
What's the Benefit of Working With a Child Custody Lawyer?
- Legal clarity: Understand your rights, obligations, and the legal process under Alberta’s family law system.
- Customized strategy: Get a personalized plan that fits your unique custody arrangements, parenting time, and family dynamics.
- Strong advocacy: A child custody lawyer will represent your interests in court or during negotiations to help protect your role as a parent.
- Efficient paperwork: Ensure all documents like separation agreements, parenting plans, and child custody agreements are properly prepared and enforceable.
- Conflict resolution: Skilled lawyers help reduce tension by negotiating fair outcomes and avoiding unnecessary disputes.
- Focus on the child’s best interests: Lawyers prioritize what matters most: your child(ren)’s safety, stability, and long-term well-being.
- Support in complex cases: Navigate difficult situations like sole custody, child protection matters, or modifying existing orders.
How Are Child Support Payments Determined?
Parenting arrangements can also affect the amount of child support that is paid. When one parent is the primary caretaker, the access parent is obligated to pay the full amount of child support as per the Federal Child Support Guidelines. The calculator can be found by clicking here.
However, if the parents have a shared parenting regime, then the Federal Child Support Guidelines state a different method of calculating child support. Child support is then calculated by calculating both parents' income and offsetting the amount.
For example, if the parties have one child and Parent A has an income of $80,000, Parent A has an obligation to pay $698.00/month for child support. If Parent B has an income of $50,000, Parent B has an obligation to pay $412/month for child support.
Because the parents have a shared parenting regime the child support obligations are offset from one another ($698-$412). Therefore, Parent A pays child support to Parent B in the amount of $286/month.

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Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
*Closed on Statutory Holidays
Monday: 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
*Closed on Statutory Holidays