Lois Chouinard

The applicant father brought a motion seeking expanded access to his child following several years of interrupted contact arising from allegations of sexual abuse that resulted in criminal charges but ultimately ended in acquittals.

Competing professional evidence addressed the child’s wishes, potential coaching, and the impact of parental conflict on the child’s wellbeing.

Psychological and therapeutic assessments concluded that the child had little or no independent recollection of abuse and that continued reunification with the father was beneficial and safe.

Applying the best interests analysis under s. 24 of the Children’s Law Reform Act, the court found the risk of harm to the child from renewed contact to be low and the benefits of rebuilding the parent-child relationship significant.

The court ordered a modified, slower graduated access regime with initial supervision and a future professional review.

A custody and parenting dispute concerning two young children where both parents sought primary custody.

Evidence revealed significant parental conflict, instability in the mother’s home due to revolving partners and chaotic household dynamics, and the father’s ongoing emotional reactivity toward the mother.

An Office of the Children’s Lawyer clinician described the children as closely bonded but experiencing stress related to instability and adult conflict.

Applying the best interests test under s. 24 of the Children’s Law Reform Act, the court concluded neither parent was presently suitable as a primary residential parent.

The court ordered a parallel parenting regime with alternating weeks, divided decision‑making authority, counselling for the children, and set‑off child support.