Navigating shared custody arrangements in Edmonton requires understanding both Alberta’s legal framework and practical considerations for support payments and schedules.
The Alberta Courts use specific guidelines and calculations to determine fair child support amounts based on parenting time, income levels, and special expenses.
Parents can work with family lawyers or mediators in Edmonton to create customized custody schedules that serve their children’s best interests while maintaining stability and routine.
Understanding Basic Custody Calculations
- Primary custody: One parent has the child more than 60% of the time
- Shared custody: Each parent has the child at least 40% of the time
- Split custody: Different children live primarily with different parents
Support Payment Factors in Alberta
The Federal Child Support Guidelines determine base support amounts using the paying parent’s income and number of children.
| Annual Income | 1 Child | 2 Children | 3 Children |
|---|---|---|---|
| $30,000 | $285 | $466 | $615 |
Creating Effective Custody Schedules
- Week on/week off rotation
- 2-2-3 rotation (2 days with each parent, then 3 with the first)
- 3-4-4-3 rotation
- Fixed weekday/weekend schedules
Special Considerations and Expenses
Section 7 expenses are shared proportionally based on income:
- Childcare costs
- Medical/dental insurance premiums
- Healthcare expenses not covered by insurance
- Educational expenses
- Extracurricular activities
Legal Resources in Edmonton
Contact these organizations for assistance:
- Resolution and Court Administration Services: 780-422-2200
- Edmonton Family Court: 780-422-3466
- Legal Aid Alberta: 1-866-845-3425
Next Steps for Parents
Document all custody-related expenses and maintain detailed records of parenting time.
Consider using co-parenting apps like OurFamilyWizard or 2Houses to track schedules and expenses.
Consult an Edmonton family lawyer for personalized advice on your specific situation.
For immediate assistance, contact the Alberta Courts information line at 780-422-2200 or visit the Edmonton Law Courts building at 1A Sir Winston Churchill Square.
Important Documentation Requirements
- Written custody agreement outlining schedules and responsibilities
- Income verification documents for support calculations
- Receipts for Section 7 expenses
- Communication logs between parents
- Medical and educational records
Modifications and Reviews
Custody arrangements can be modified when circumstances change significantly:
- Job relocations or schedule changes
- Children’s changing needs or activities
- Health issues
- Remarriage or new family dynamics
Conflict Resolution Strategies
Professional Support Options
- Family mediators
- Parenting coordinators
- Child psychologists
- Family counselors
Communication Tools
- Shared online calendars
- Co-parenting communication apps
- Written agreements for schedule changes
- Regular parent meetings
Building a Sustainable Co-Parenting Future
Focus on maintaining consistent routines and open communication channels. Regular reviews of arrangements ensure they continue meeting children’s evolving needs while supporting both parents’ responsibilities and rights under Alberta law.
Stay informed about available resources and support services in Edmonton. Document all significant decisions and changes to protect everyone’s interests and maintain a stable environment for children affected by shared custody arrangements.
FAQs
- How is child support calculated in shared custody arrangements in Alberta?
When parents share custody (40% or more of time with each parent), the calculation follows the “set-off” approach under the Federal Child Support Guidelines. Each parent calculates what they would pay if the other parent had primary custody, then the difference is paid by the higher-income parent. - What qualifies as shared custody in Alberta?
Shared custody is established when a child spends at least 40% of their time with each parent over the course of a year (146 days or more), as defined by Section 9 of the Federal Child Support Guidelines. - How are extraordinary expenses divided in shared custody arrangements?
Special or extraordinary expenses (Section 7 expenses) are typically divided proportionally based on the parents’ respective incomes, regardless of the custody arrangement. - Can shared custody arrangements affect Alberta Child Benefit payments?
Yes. Parents with shared custody can each receive 50% of the payment they would have received if they were the primary caregiver, as per Canada Revenue Agency guidelines. - How is parenting time calculated for shared custody in Alberta?
Parenting time includes overnight stays, part-days, holidays, and vacation time. The calculation includes transition times and is based on the total hours spent with each parent over a year. - Can child support amounts be adjusted if circumstances change in a shared custody arrangement?
Yes. Either parent can apply for a variation of child support if there is a significant change in circumstances, such as income changes, parenting time adjustments, or the child’s needs. - How are holidays and special occasions handled in shared custody schedules?
Holidays and special occasions are typically alternated between parents yearly, with specific arrangements outlined in the parenting order or agreement. Common arrangements include alternating major holidays and splitting winter and summer breaks. - What role does mediation play in establishing shared custody arrangements in Edmonton?
Mediation is a common and court-encouraged process in Edmonton where parents work with a neutral third party to establish custody arrangements. The Alberta Family Mediation Society provides accredited mediators to help parents reach agreements. - How are transportation costs handled in shared custody arrangements?
Transportation costs for exchanging children between homes are typically shared between parents, either equally or proportionally based on income, as specified in the parenting agreement or court order. - What documentation is required to modify a shared custody agreement in Alberta?
Modifications require filing a Notice of Application to vary the existing order, current financial statements, and evidence of the material change in circumstances. These must be filed with the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta.
