N.S. child access changes intended to make it easier for grandparents
Posted Apr 8, 2014 06:53:03 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
HALIFAX – The government of Nova Scotia has introduced amendments that it says would make it easier for grandparents to seek access to their grandchildren when parents separate or divorce.
Currently, grandparents seeking access have to ask the court’s permission for standing before they can proceed to a hearing.
The amendments to the Maintenance and Custody Act would remove this step, so courts would proceed directly to considering requests from grandparents for contact.
The changes would also see courts consider including contact with grandparents as a factor in determining what is in the best interests of a child.
Pauline Glenn, president of the Grandparents Rights of Nova Scotia Association, says the changes are important at a time when traditional family structures are less prevalent.
Glenn says it should be a right for grandparents to keep contact with the children in cases of divorce and separation.
Justice Minister Lina Diab says the changes highlight the importance of grandparents and the key role they play in children’s lives.
Diab said the goal is to make the legal process less difficult and less costly for grandparents.
