Many children are exposed to separation and family breakups each year, but their opinions and feelings aren’t always sought when determining custody arrangements. This paper argues that a child’s voice should be heard in high conflict custody, access, and parenting matters. It explores strategies and mechanisms to consider the child’s voice in such proceedings, including direct (affidavit or oral) evidence, videos/letters from the child, hiring a child consultant or psychologist to meet with the child, appointing independent counsel for the child, and other methods. The paper also briefly discusses Practice Note 8 Assessments.

This paper is part of a collection presented at LESA’s Custody and Access 2018 program in Edmonton on March 6, 2018 and in Calgary on March 13, 2018.