Gradual Adjustments to Parenting Time

For parents who have not been significantly involved in their child’s life, the courts often recommend a gradual increase in parenting time. This approach helps children adjust to changes in their routines, reducing emotional disruption and fostering stability.

Frequent, Short Visits for Young Children

Young children benefit from consistent, shorter visits with each parent, as this mirrors their pre-separation interactions. This approach helps to maintain familiarity and security in their relationships.

Disputes over parenting time can be emotionally charged. However, keeping the child’s welfare at the forefront can help reduce conflict.

Manitoba courts encourage strategies such as: structured parenting plans, mediation; and a strong focus on stability.

Judges in Manitoba make decisions based on evidence and the unique circumstances of each family. There are no presumptions of equal parenting time or one-size-fits-all solutions. The focus remains on creating arrangements that serve the child’s best interests.

Divorce can be hard, especially when it comes to figuring out parenting time. It’s important to focus on what’s best for your child while keeping the conflict as low as possible. Here are some helpful tips to make the process smoother:

2. Use Neutral, Respectful Communication Methods
Talking about parenting time can bring up big emotions, but it’s important to stay calm and respectful. Use emails, texts, or parenting apps to keep communication clear and neutral. Avoid blaming or criticizing, and focus on finding solutions for your child’s benefit.

3. Engage in Mediation to Resolve Disagreements
Mediation is a process where a trained neutral person helps parents work out their parenting plan. It’s a great way to talk things through calmly and come up with fair agreements without going to court. Mediation is often faster, less stressful, and less expensive than a legal battle.

4. Keep Your Child Out of the Conflict
Never ask your child to pick sides or pass messages between parents. This puts a lot of pressure on them and can make them feel guilty or anxious. Let your child be a kid, not a go-between.

5. Be Flexible When Needed
Life doesn’t always go as planned. If the other parent asks to swap days or change times for a good reason, try to be flexible. Showing understanding can build trust and make co-parenting easier.

6. Put Your Child’s Needs First
When making decisions, ask yourself: “What’s best for my child?” Their happiness, safety, and well-being should guide your choices. Even if it’s hard, working together as co-parents helps your child thrive.

These updates encourage parents to focus on stability and continuity in their children’s lives, reducing conflict and fostering cooperative co-parenting. The legal framework now more robustly supports mediation and structured plans, aiming to minimize disputes and promote harmonious family dynamics. Parents are encouraged to seek professional guidance to navigate these changes effectively, ensuring that their arrangements reflect the best interests of their children.

Jessica Rebizant was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and earned a Bachelor of Arts (Advanced) and a Master of Arts in Political Studies from the University of Manitoba. After gaining experience in academia and government, she attended the Bora Laskin Faculty of Law at Lakehead University, graduating in 2020. Jessica then worked at Manitoba Prosecution Services as an articling student and later as a Crown Attorney, being called to the Manitoba Bar in 2021. During law school, she completed a Pro Bono placement at the Northwestern Women’s Association and a practicum at Henderson Family Law in Thunder Bay. Jessica is thrilled to rejoin the family law sector in her home province. Outside of her legal work, she enjoys Pilates, yoga, and traveling, but her favorite pastime is spending time with her family and going on nature walks with her dog, Poppy. Connect with Jessica by email or visit the firm’s website.