What is the legal test for a court to order joint custody and parallel parenting?

Nova Scotia, Canada


The following excerpt is from Mo v. Ma, 2012 NSSC 159 (CanLII):

In the past, many courts found that if joint custody was not viable, then the only solution was an order of sole custody. However, in recent years a third option has evolved, that is an order for parallel parenting. In Baker‑Warren v. Denault 2009 NSSC 59, this court held that a parallel parenting regime is usually reserved for those few cases where neither sole custody, nor cooperative joint custody, will meet the best interests of the child. In K(V.) v. S(T.) 2011 ONSC 4305 (S.C.J.), Chappel J. reviewed the factors to be balanced when considering a parallel parenting arrangement at para. 96, which states as follows: 96 A review of the case‑law respecting parallel parenting suggests that the following factors are particularly relevant in determining whether a parallel parenting regime, rather than sole custody, is appropriate: a) The strength of the parties' ties to the child, and the general level of involvement of each parent in the child's parenting and life. In almost all cases where parallel parenting has been ordered, both parents have consistently played a significant role in the child's life on all levels. b) The relative parenting abilities of each parent, and their capacity to make decisions that are in the child's best interests. Where one parent is clearly more competent, responsible and attentive than the other, this may support a sole custody arrangement. On the other hand, where there is extensive conflict between the parties, but both are equally competent and loving parents and are able at times to focus jointly on the best interests of the child, a parallel parenting regime may be ordered. c) Evidence of alienation by one parent. If the alienating parent is otherwise loving, attentive, involved, competent and very important to the child, a parallel parenting arrangement may be considered appropriate as a means of safeguarding the other party's role in the child's life. On the other hand, if the level of alienation is so significant that a parallel parenting order will not be effective in achieving a balance of parental involvement and will be contrary to the child's best interests, a sole custody order may be more appropriate. d) Where both parties have engaged in alienating behaviour, but the evidence indicates that one of them is more likely to foster an ongoing relationship between the child and the other parent, this finding may tip the scale in favour of a sole custody order. e) The extent to which each parent is able to place the needs of the child above their own needs and interests. If one of the parties is unable to focus on the child's needs above their own, this may result in a sole custody order, even if that parent is very involved with the child and otherwise able to meet the child's day to day needs. f) The existence of any form of abuse, including emotional abuse or undermining behaviour, which could impede the objective of achieving a balance of roles and influence through parallel parenting.

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