Are you looking for a definition of contact with a child? Under the BC Family Law Act, contact with a child refers to the time a person who is not a guardian spends with a child. In British Columbia family law, “contact with a child” refers to when a non-custodial parent or another person may play or spend time with a child. This can include physical time, such as visiting with the child, and communication, such as phone calls or email.

Contact with a child can be agreed upon by the parents or determined by the court through a court order. The purpose of contact with a child is to ensure that the child has a relationship with both parents and that their best interests are served.

Contact with a Child Definition

In BC, the family law system recognizes the importance of maintaining meaningful relationships between children and their parents, regardless of the parent’s relationship status. Therefore, the court will consider the child’s best interests when making decisions about contact with a child, taking into account factors such as the child’s age, developmental needs, and any safety concerns.

Parents need to work together to establish a mutually agreeable schedule for contact with a child. In cases where this is not possible, the court may step in to determine a schedule that is in the child’s best interests. People other than the guardian (including grandparents, aunts and uncles, and other relatives) can apply for contact with a child. The Divorce Act uses the term access.

“Contact with a child” refers to the time a non-custodial parent or other significant adult spends with a child, as determined by court orders or agreements. This contact can be direct, such as in-person visits and overnight stays, or indirect, such as through phone calls, video chats, and other forms of communication to maintain a meaningful relationship with the child. It can be complicated during a divorce, so speak to a local family law firm.