A stern warning recently by the Family Court to separated parents who act unreasonably, uncooperatively or who exercise self-help:
"So perhaps I can go one step further. Perhaps I can give high conflict parents a bit of a warning.
a. Just because a Triage judge decides an issue isn’t urgent, it doesn’t mean the issue isn’t important. It simply means we have to prioritize which issues we currently have the resources to deal with.
b. The suspension of most court activities during the COVID-19 crisis means that – temporarily — separated parents are largely going to be on “the honour system.”
c. We’re counting on parents to be fair and helpful with one another. To rise to the challenge and act in good faith.
d. Because now more than ever, children need parents to be mature, cooperative, and mutually respectful. In these times of unspeakable stress and anxiety, children need emotional reassurance from both parents that everything is going to be okay.
e. How parents conduct themselves during this time of crisis will speak volumes about parental insight and trustworthiness.
f. Your reputation will outlast COVID-19.
g. So please don’t try to take advantage of the current situation.
h. In the long run, self-help will turn out to be a big mistake."
Case:
McNeil v. McGuinness, 2020 CarswellOnt 4833 (Ont. S.C.J.)
