In Nova Scotia, a Voice of the Child assessment generally takes between 2 to 4 months to complete, depending on the professional’s availability. Privately hired assessors typically charge between $1,000 and $3,000 CAD, while court-appointed assessments may be subsidized depending on your income.
When parents separate in Nova Scotia, determining where the children will live and who will make major life choices can become highly contentious. Historically, children rarely had a say in these legal proceedings to protect them from the stress of court. Today, a “Voice of the Child” report offers a safe, neutral way for children to express their feelings regarding parenting time and decision-making responsibility.
This assessment is incredibly valuable for families in Halifax, Dartmouth, and Sydney navigating the family justice system. 👦 Instead of forcing a child to testify or speak directly to a judge, a trained professional sits down with them in a comfortable environment. Understanding the timeline and steps involved will help ease the anxiety for both you and your child.
Step-by-Step Process in Nova Scotia
The process is designed to be as low-stress as possible for the child involved. Whether the assessment is ordered by a judge at the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia (Family Division) or agreed upon mutually by the parents, it generally follows these predictable steps.
Step 1: Agreeing on or Ordering the Assessment
First, both parents must agree to the assessment, or a judge must formally order it. You will need to decide whether to use a private assessor or request one through court services. Private assessors are often faster but come with higher out-of-pocket costs.
Step 2: Appointing the Professional Assessor
The assessment is strictly conducted by a qualified neutral professional, usually a registered social worker or a child psychologist. Both parents (and their lawyers, if applicable) will communicate with the chosen professional to provide basic background information and sign consent forms.
Step 3: The Child Interviews
The core of the process involves the assessor meeting directly with the child. Usually, there are one or two sessions lasting about an hour each. 🗣 The professional asks age-appropriate, open-ended questions about the child’s daily life, their relationship with each parent, and their preferences for living arrangements.
Step 4: Drafting and Releasing the Report
After the interviews, the professional drafts a concise report summarizing the child’s views. This document is then provided to the parents, their law firms, and the court. It is important to note that the assessor does not make final legal recommendations; they simply relay the child’s perspective.
How Much Does it Cost in Nova Scotia?
The cost of this report varies heavily based on whether you go through the public court system or hire privately:
- Private Assessors: Hiring a private social worker or psychologist generally costs between $1,000 and $3,000 CAD. Parents usually split this fee equally.
- Court-Appointed Assessors: If ordered through the court, the cost may be subsidized on a sliding scale based on the parents’ combined income, making it much more affordable.
- Lawyer Fees: Having your family law firm review the report and present it in court generally costs $300 to $600 CAD depending on their hourly rate.
How Long Does the Process Take?
Timelines can fluctuate based on court backlogs and the availability of local mental health professionals.
| Assessment Phase | Average Timeline | Important Details |
|---|---|---|
| Finding an Assessor | 2 to 4 weeks | Wait lists for private child psychologists can be lengthy. |
| Conducting Interviews | 2 to 3 weeks | Coordinating schedules between the child and the professional. |
| Finalizing the Report | 2 to 4 weeks | The assessor drafts the document and submits it to the court. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can parents be present during the interview?
No. To ensure the child speaks freely and is not influenced or pressured, the interviews are conducted privately between the child and the assessor.
Does the judge have to follow the child’s wishes?
No. The child’s preference is only one of many factors considered under the Parenting and Support Act. The judge will ultimately make a decision based on the overall best interests of the child.
At what age can a child have an assessment?
While there is no strict legal age, assessors generally only interview children who are mature enough to express independent thoughts, typically around 7 to 8 years of age or older.
Is the report kept confidential from the parents?
No. Both parents have the legal right to read the final report. Assessors will usually explain this to the child so they know their parents will hear what they have shared.
Leave a Reply