Child Custody BC — Parenting Arrangements Under the Family Law Act. In British Columbia, the term custody has been replaced by parenting arrangements under the Family Law Act. Parenting arrangements consist of two components: parenting time, which determines when each parent has the child in their care, and parental responsibilities, which are decision-making powers over the child's health, education, and welfare. The best interests of the child is the overriding standard that BC courts apply when making parenting orders. Relevant factors include the child's safety and security, the nature of the child's relationship with each parent, each parent's ability to meet the child's needs, the child's cultural and linguistic heritage, and the views of the child. Joint parenting arrangements, where the child spends substantial time with both parents, are common in BC when both parents are able to cooperate. Sole parenting arrangements, where one parent has primary care, may be ordered when there is family violence, a significant power imbalance, or other circumstances affecting the child's best interests. Parenting plans set out the details of parenting arrangements and can be created by agreement, mediation, or court order. Andrew Liggett has helped BC families create fair and workable parenting plans since 1991. Independent legal advice from a BC family lawyer is strongly recommended before making any parenting agreement or attending family court. Every parenting situation is unique — the best interests of your child are the paramount consideration under BC law. Sea to Sky Law provides experienced child custody and parenting arrangement representation across all of BC. Sea to Sky Law has served British Columbia families and businesses since 1991. Our approach combines practical legal advice with compassionate understanding of the human situations behind every legal matter. We serve all of BC by phone and secure video. Independent legal advice is always strongly recommended before making decisions that affect your family, your estate, or your business.