This motion concerned a father's request to increase his parenting time with his nine-year-old child, T., from one hour per week to extended Saturday visits, including potential overnights.
The mother opposed the increase and sought an investigation by the Office of the Children’s Lawyer (OCL).
The court found it had jurisdiction to vary the temporary consent orders without requiring a material change in circumstances, as the orders were "without prejudice" and intended for progressive reacquaintance.
The court determined that increased parenting time was in the child's best interests, emphasizing the child's right to a meaningful relationship with both parents.
Despite the child's expressed preferences for limited contact and a history of family violence (conviction against the father eight years prior), the court found no current risk of violence.
The court ordered an OCL investigation and increased the father's parenting time to 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every Saturday, with a future transition to alternating weekend overnights after three months, contingent on the father taking a parenting course and a transition plan being agreed upon.
The order is subject to review.
