PARENTING PLAN FOR UNMARRIED PARENTS

The Children’s Act encompasses Sections 19, 20, and 21, which outline the legal framework for the parental responsibilities and rights of both mothers and fathers, irrespective of their marital status. When addressing cases involving unmarried parents, it becomes crucial to determine the specific parental responsibilities and rights of each party, as stipulated in Sections 19 and 21 of the Children’s Act.

Historically, Section 19 of the Children’s Act has unequivocally granted full parental rights and responsibilities to all biological mothers, regardless of whether they are married or unmarried. However, the same level of rights and responsibilities was not automatically granted to unmarried fathers. In the past, unmarried fathers had to seek legal intervention through a court application to obtain parental responsibilities and rights over their child.

To formalize a parental plan as an Order of the Court, it is important to follow these steps:

Ensure compliance with the relevant sections of the Children’s Act: The parental plan should adhere to the guidelines of the Children’s Act specified in Section 22, as well as Sections 33-35.

2. Prioritize the best interests of the child(ren):

3. Seek assistance from an impartial third party 4. Obtain signatures from both parents By following these steps, you can increase the likelihood of having your parental plan recognized and enforced as an official Order of the Court.