DIVORCE CONFLICTS

CANADA’S SYSTEM OF SEPARATION AND DIVORCE

WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT? [Back]

When family breakdown occurs, the current adversarial judicial system forces both parents into an ongoing battle, encouraging such evils as character assassination and the selfish use of the children as pawns.

The current family law system promotes a winner and loser approach and outcome, thus further encouraging conflict between the two parents.

After a breakup many parents are not allowed to continue their strong, caring, loving and lasting relationships with their children.

The current federal child support guidelines (Bill C-41) are unreasonable and unfair. In most cases one parent is required to provide all the financial support yet the costs to that parent during their access time is not recognized.

Parties who have committed perjury, breached court orders and submitted false allegations and affidavits are not held accountable.

THE SERIOUS EFFECTS OF THIS SYSTEM OF DIVORCE AND SEPARATION ARE NOT PROPERLY RECOGNIZED.

The current system produces terribly damaging consequences for grandparents, other relatives, friends, second spouses & especially the children.

WHAT CHANGES TO THE SYSTEM ARE NEEDED?

^{a judicial presumption of shared parenting and equal
responsibilities

and access to both parents following

a family breakdown.}

^{a fair and equitable assignment of

child support to both parents.}

^{an equitable and reasonable enforcement of child support
payments and child access.}

^{more effort to reduce the harm resulting from separation
and

from the adversarial court system,

including such measures as mediation, co-parenting education and

parenting plans.}

^{better awareness and education of the general public,
politicians, media, judges and lawyers about the need for both parents and
extended families to

be continually involved in the lives of their children - especially following
family separation and breakdowns.}

^{a separate judicial system that uses}

^{only judges and lawyers who have specialized training in
family law matters.}

the assignment of one judge to each case and the improvement of court services to help reduce conflict, resolve issues, and drastically cut court time and costs.

HOW ECMAS WORKS TO
ACHIEVE THESE GOALS

We provide a weekly support group meeting where individuals can come to confidentially share their experiences and receive information and peer support.

We provide a network for many individuals and their families who continually experience difficulties with access and other family law related matters. They can turn for immediate help through our volunteers, who would, for example, accompany parents with difficulties at access time or when going to court.

We research various kinds of information on family law matters, government bills and court procedures. ECMAS has submitted many suggestions on these topics to various government committees involving matters relevant to separation and divorce.

We host educational seminars and meetings that have previously involved officials from the maintenance enforcement program, the access enforcement program, and many other agencies.

Our website provides information and resources on matters involving separation and divorce for our members and for the general public

Our Belief

^{E.C.M.A.S. believes that every child, whether in an
intact family or a divided one, has a right to the involvement and the
nurturance of both parents and the love of both extended families.}

Our Mission

^{E.C.M.A.S. is a non-profit organization focused on
the healthy development and well-being of children of separated and divorced
families. Our mission is to assist and
support members of these families, and to educate society and public officials
about their needs.}