Glossary - Family Law

In Abuse and Family Violence, Family Law

A bail hearing is when the person charged with a crime goes to court after they have been arrested. At court, they ask a judge or justice of the peace to decide whether the police can continue to keep them in jail, or whether they must let you go.

The judge might give you “conditions” that you must follow if they let you go. For example, the court might order them to stay away from their partner.

In Family Law

Balance of probabilities is the standard or legal test of proof usually required in a family law case. The judge has to decide who is more believable – you or your partner.

In Child abuse and neglect, Domestic violence, Family Law

The “best interests of the child” is a legal test used to decide many things about children. The test is different for different family law issues.

For example, when making decisions about decision-making responsibility and parenting time, which used to be called custody and access, some of the things the test considers are:

• the child’s physical, emotional, and psychological safety, security, and well-being
• the relationship between each parent and the child
• the child’s views and wishes, unless there’s no way to find out what they are
• if there’s been abuse against any family member or any child

In child protection cases involving the Children’s Aid Society, some of the things the test considers are:

• the child’s views and wishes, unless there’s no way to find out what they are
• the importance of keeping the child’s identity and connection to their community and culture if they are First Nations, Inuk, or Métis, even if they’re not an official member of the community
• race, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, family diversity, sex, and sexual orientation