Issues around parenting amongst separated partners can be contentious at the best of times. The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has not made co-parenting issues any easier to resolve. While parents need to protect their children from the pandemic with the practice of social distancing, it is not a means to suspend the parenting time of the other parent. Where the other parent endeavours to adhere to COVID-19 protocols and takes necessary steps to keep the children safe and healthy during their parenting time, COVID-19 should not be used to bring it to an immediate and unilateral stop. Moreover, where the parenting regime is defined in a court order, there is a presumption that the parents will comply with it. However, what can you do when a parent acts contrary to the COVID-19 protocols, compromising the health and safety of the children?A recent Ontario case, Ribeiro v Wright, 2020 ONSC 1829,...

These are unprecedented times for all Albertans. People are doing all they can to protect themselves, their loved ones and their neighbours.  For most, this means confining themselves to their homes and limited outside exposure to limit the spread of COVID-19.  Unfortunately, this arrangement can come with certain dangers for those experiencing forms of domestic violence, whether this is physical, emotional or mental abuse, as people are now together virtually 24/7.  Anxiety, fear and panic can become a state of life for many in a household.  As you are well aware, several stress factors are hitting all families right now. These factors often escalate existing violence or abuse, where the situation can become quite explosive and dangerous. For immediate assistance, and to access someone to guide you, should you require help or know of someone who does, please contact one of the following: Call 911 if you or some you know is...