Access | The time kids spend with the parent who does not have custody. Access also includes a parent's right to receive information about the children's health, education and welfare. |
Child Support | Money that one parent gives the other parent to help pay for the things that their children need. |
Common-Iaw | When two people live together as a couple without getting married. |
Divorce | A legal action two people take to end their marriage. |
Joint Custody | Joint custody can mean a number of different arrangements, including one in which the children live part of the time with one parent and part of the time with the other parent, but both parents help to make decisions about their children's lives. |
Marriage | A formal agreement that legally recognizes two people in a relationship as a couple. |
Mediation | A process for resolving conflicts between people, using a mediator to find a solution that meets everyone's needs. A mediator can’t force a decision on the parties, but can make suggestions and help them work towards a solution. |
Mediator | A person who has been specially trained to act as a neutral third party in helping people resolve conflicts. |
Separation | When someone in a marriage or common law relationship informs the other person that their relationship is over. This is often the point when partners stop living together. |
Sole Custody | When only one parent takes care of the children and makes decisions about their lives. |
Separation Agreement | A contract between two people who have separated, stating, among other things, where their children will live and how they will divide their property. |