What are my responsibilities as a separated or divorced parent?
All parents, whether married or not, have the responsibility to ensure that their children receive adequate and proper parenting. All parents have the responsibility to promote the best interests of their children in providing for their care, welfare and development. Under the Family Law Act parental responsibility for children does not end with separation or divorce, but continues until each child reaches at least the age of 18. Except when it is contrary to a child’s best interests, children have the right to know and be cared for by both their parents, and a right of contact on a regular basis with their parents and other people significant to their care, welfare and development. Parents should try to agree about matters concerning their children because they share all the duties, powers, responsibilities and authority in relation to their children. When an agreement is reached it can be made legally binding by ‘consent orders’.
Related Questions
- My parents are divorced or separated and I am a dependent student. Which parent should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)?
- When parents are divorced or separated, which parent may claim the children as dependents?
- What are my responsibilities as a separated or divorced parent?
