DUTIES OF THE FAMILY ADVOCATE By Shelton Mahandana

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.

                                                                                                                                                                        

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