What is the test for a third party to claim custody of a child?

Ontario, Canada


The following excerpt is from Nykvist v. Tielve, 2016 ONCJ 719 (CanLII):

Many cases have considered the difference between the claims of a third party, including active and involved grandparents, and the claims of parents. In Charron v. Vignaux-Fines, 1987 CanLII 20 (S.C.C.), the court stated that: A third person who wishes to obtain custody of a child must rebut the presumption to the effect that the parent is in a better position to ensure the child’s well being. He must establish on a balance of probabilities that the development of the child is likely to be compromised if he or she remains with the father or the mother or returns to live with them. The third person must also show that, unlike the person having parental authority, he or she is able to provide the care and affection needed by the child. EVIDENCE

Other Questions


How is child support calculated when one parent has physical custody of a child and the parents share custody of another child? (Ontario, Canada)
Is a motion for a stay of execution pending a counter-claim, cross-claim and third party claim valid? (Ontario, Canada)
Can a court vary a custody and access order where the child spends the preponderance of time resident with the custodial parent, with access to the non-custodial parent for a shorter time period? (Ontario, Canada)
Does a custodial parent have to pay child and spousal support to the non-custodial parent of the child? (Ontario, Canada)
When parties have joint custody of a child, can the child attend English-only primary school? (Ontario, Canada)
What are the factors used by the court in determining whether or not to grant custody of a child to a third party? (Ontario, Canada)
What are the factors to be considered in custody claims between a parent and a third party? (Ontario, Canada)
If a child takes a gap year before starting secondary education, can that child remain a child of the marriage? (Ontario, Canada)
What is the test for establishing a reasonable limitation on the amount of damages a plaintiff can claim against a third party? (Ontario, Canada)
What are the costs of a family member who successfully sued for damages against the parents of a child who is not a party to the claim? (Ontario, Canada)
X



Alexi white


"The most advanced legal research software ever built."

Trusted by top litigators from across North America.