Frederick Baxter

Following a three-day trial, the court determined custody of a three-year-old child.

The father sought sole custody with reasonable access to the mother; the mother sought joint custody with week-about residency, alternatively sole custody.

The court rejected joint custody due to the parents' inability to work effectively together, finding a history of conflict, unilateral decision-making, and poor communication.

The court awarded sole custody to the father, finding his home more stable, his parenting proactive and engaged, and his support system more extensive.

The mother's home showed signs of instability with a new cohabiting partner, a second child, and ongoing involvement by child protective services.

The court ordered structured maternal access with specific provisions for transportation and information sharing.

A mother sought an order placing her two-year-old child in her care and custody during a status review proceeding under the Child and Family Services Act, or alternatively, sought to specify the details of her access (frequency, duration, location, and level of supervision).

The child had been in the care of the Children's Aid Society for over 18 months following apprehension due to protection concerns.

The court dismissed both the motion for interim care and custody and the motion for interim variation of the existing access order, finding that the mother failed to satisfy her evidentiary burden to demonstrate material changes in circumstances warranting a change from the status quo.

The court emphasized the importance of continuity of care for the young child and noted concerns regarding the mother's unresolved drug use, lack of stable housing, financial means, and childcare arrangements.