The office of the family advocate was established in 1990 to look after the well being of minor children in family related matters, ie: divorce.
Family advocate’s office assists families by promoting and protecting the best interests of minor and dependent children in a parental right and responsibility disputes. That is according to our Constitution, section 28, the best interests of a child are of paramount importance in every matter concerning a child.
A family advocates evaluates the family’s circumstances and then makes a recommendation with regards to care, contact, and guardianship.
Family Advocate duties includes the following:
- Investigate and provide a court with recommendations regarding the interest of the minor children;
- Serve as a mediator to parents who are having disputes with regards to their parental responsibilities and rights;
- Assist with regards to drafting of a parenting plan and registration thereof;
- Amending or terminating an already existing parenting plan;
- Varying care, contact, guardianship and visitation arrangements;
- Dealing with parental child abduction;
- Dealing with any other matter involving minor children where a court has so ordered.
The services of the office of the family advocate are free of charge.
