Child Custody Lawyer Edmonton, AB

Child Custody in Edmonton, Alberta

A child custody arrangement helps both parents settle decision-making responsibility (health, education, upbringing) and parenting time in a clear parenting plan. This collaborative approach can avoid lengthy and costly court litigation while keeping the focus on the child’s best interests. If you and your co-parent can agree on terms (schedules, holidays, exchanges, and safety provisions), our child custody lawyers can draft a legally enforceable agreement. If not, we guide you through mediation first and provide strong court advocacy when needed.

Bhardwaj+Co brings extensive family law experience to protect your rights and your child’s well-being, and to negotiate fair, practical custody arrangements tailored to your family.

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Why Choose Bhardwaj+Co as Your Lawyer for Child Custody

When you’re facing complex family matters, you deserve legal representation that blends skill with compassion. At Bhardwaj+Co, we have vast experience supporting parents through sensitive custody disputes, guiding you with clarity, care, and proven expertise under Canada’s Divorce Act and Alberta’s Family Law Act.

Experienced Family Lawyers Who Care

Our family law lawyer team understands Alberta’s custody laws and the realities of separation and divorce. We help parents navigate shared custody, sole custody arrangements, and the role of the custodial parent, always prioritizing your child’s well-being (e.g., school choice, after-school activities, health, and mental health needs). From the first consultation to a finalized child custody order or parenting plan, we advocate for outcomes that protect your child’s future in Alberta courts.

Transparent Guidance Through Every Step

Issues involving decision-making responsibility, parenting time, and access rights can feel overwhelming. We break down court procedures, explain options (family mediation, arbitration, or a court application), and help you make confident custody decisions. Whether you’re negotiating a plan, reviewing a separation agreement, or seeking to vary previous custody agreements, you’ll get practical legal information and steady representation you can rely on, including safety planning where family violence is a concern.

Types of Child Custody Arrangements

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 and 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: Meet a custody lawyer to assess goals, safety, school schedules, and supports. We map a practical custody plan.
• Agreement First: If you agree on terms, we formalize a separation agreement or consent parenting order covering physical custody, decision-making responsibility, and related property division where relevant.
• Mediation/Negotiation: For disputes, we use family mediation and arbitration, address parental alienation concerns, and, when needed, coordinate assessments with a child psychologist.
• Court (If Needed): If no settlement can be reached, we proceed in the Alberta Court of Justice with focused court representation and the required Court Forms. Judges weigh the family home stability, mental health, and protection concerns.
• Order, Variation & Enforcement: Outcomes become a binding child custody order. Enforcement may include make-up time or a contempt order application.

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.

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