In December 2023, the Quebec government announced the launch of a new pilot project designed to help separated families experiencing high levels of conflict. This initiative, which is taking place in the Montreal district, aims to provide long-term support for parents in these challenging situations while focusing on the best interests of the children involved.
If you are a parent going through a difficult separation, you’re likely familiar with how exhausting and stressful ongoing legal battles can be. The good news is that this new project offers an alternative to constant court proceedings. It’s specifically tailored to families where the level of conflict is so high that communication and joint decision-making have become almost impossible. The goal is to help parents manage their co-parenting more effectively after separation, with a strong focus on the well-being of the children.
Under this new project, a trained parental coordinator will guide parents throughout the process. This coordinator helps parents implement existing court orders or find solutions if modifications are needed.
One of the key features of this project is the involvement of the same judge throughout the entire parental coordination process. Unlike traditional legal proceedings, where different judges may intervene at different stages, this approach provides continuity and stability for both parents and children. This allows the judge to develop a deeper understanding of the family dynamic and to propose more tailored solutions.
Another important component of this project is the mandatory participation of the parents in the Coparenting and Communication Program. The facilitators provide practical tools and strategies to help parents better understand each other and work together. Along with the support of the parental coordinator, this program is designed to help parents strengthen their ability to handle difficult situations that may arise after a separation.
For now, this program is specifically for separated families in the Montreal district facing high levels of conflict. To be eligible, parents must have already obtained a judgment from the Superior Court of Quebec. This pilot project will support 30 families for a period of two years, providing up to 45 hours of personalized support. This includes parental coordination hours as well as the mandatory Coparenting and Communication Program.
The Parental Coordination Project represents a significant shift in how the Quebec legal system handles family conflicts. By emphasizing collaboration, support and education, it offers a more effective way to resolve disputes. If this project proves successful, it could be expanded to other regions of Quebec.
