Several changes to the Divorce Act came into effect on March 1, 2021.

With these changes, what is meant by “best interests of the child” has been clarified.

Elements relating to the presence of family violence, behaviors (coercive and dominant), physical, emotional or psychological harm will be taken into account to assess the best interests of the child.

The law provides for concrete examples such as breaking objects, threatening to injure or kill a person or an animal, etc.

Other changes will allow for better coordination between judicial bodies in relation to orders already in place at the maintenance or parental level.

Parents are encouraged to collaborate better for the well-being of the child.

In the event of a move, the moving parent must now notify the other parent by written notice at least 60 days before the planned date of a move that could reduce the parenting time of the other parent for reasons of distance.