Child Custody in New Brunswick

New Brunswick follows the federal Divorce Act's framework for parenting arrangements. Since 2021, the law uses 'parenting time' and 'decision-making responsibility' instead of 'custody' and 'access.' The child's best interests are always the primary consideration.

Decision-making responsibility covers major decisions about your child's health, education, religion, and extracurricular activities. Parents can share this responsibility or one parent may have it for specific areas.

Parenting time is the schedule of when your child lives with each parent. There's no presumption of equal time - arrangements depend on what's best for your child considering their age, needs, and each parent's involvement.

Child support in New Brunswick follows the Federal Child Support Guidelines with New Brunswick-specific tables. The amount depends primarily on the paying parent's income and the number of children.