Does exclusive custody mean losing your rights as a parent? Many parents misunderstand the difference between exclusive custody and parental authority. Here’s what you need to know.
Parental Authority: A Right Shared by Both Parents
Under Article 600 of the Civil Code of Quebec, both parents retain parental authority over their children, regardless of custody arrangements. This means they have equal rights to make decisions about their child’s education, religion, health, and place of residence until the child reaches adulthood.
The only way a parent can lose these rights is through a court ruling that removes parental authority, which is rare and usually applies to cases of abuse, neglect, or serious endangerment (Article 606).
What Does Exclusive Custody Really Mean?
Exclusive custody simply means that the child spends more than 60% of the time with one parent but it does not remove the other parent’s rights or decision-making power.
Many believe that exclusive custody completely excludes one parent, but in reality, both parents can still be involved in their child’s life. The primary impact of custody arrangements usually relates to child support payments, which vary based on time spent with the child and the parent’s incomes.
Key Takeaways
- Not having sole custody of a child does not affect the parental authority.
- Both parents continue to make important decisions for the child.
- The main goal of any custody agreement is the child’s well-being.
- Losing parental authority is rare and only occurs in extreme cases.
For more detailed insights, explore the original blog post: Si mi ex tiene la custodia exclusiva de mis hijos, ¿pierdo mis derechos como padre?
If you have questions about custody or parental rights, contact Leopoldo Cordido at +1 514 907-3231 (ext. 104) or lcordido@wmr-law.ca for expert legal guidance.