Bills C78 and 207: Reforming the Law & Changing the Culture – Webinar

 a joint presentation of AFCC-O and York Region Law Association

Eligible for 1.5 hours of substantive credit

Speakers

Professor Nicholas Bala
Archana Medhekar
Aaron Franks

Moderators

Dr. Shely Polak
Justice Andrea Himel

The parenting provisions of Canada’s Divorce Act (Bill C-78) and Ontario’s Children’s Law Reform Act (Bill 207) are being amended, with new provisions in effect as of March 1, 2021. The reforms introduce new parenting terminology, and encourage the use of parenting plans and non-court family dispute resolution. The new laws include provisions to better recognize family violence and better address parental relocation. The reforms have significant implications for all who work in the family justice field, as they are intended to affect both practice in the courts and the “culture of divorce”

Our esteemed panel will share their opinions in response to the following questions:

• Will the legislative changes have a significant impact family law professionals and our clients?
• How can we reconcile parenting plans with the Court’s duty to make “orders”?
• What factors may be most significant in relocation cases?
• Will it be more/less difficult for parents to relocate – within Ontario, nationally, internationally?
• How will domestic violence considerations affect outcomes?
• What is the role for family law professionals in identifying and responding to risk?