Failure to attend at the Parenting after Separation and Divorce program when required to do so may result in the court, upon application by the other parent:
- striking out that party's pleadings or other documents;
- refusing to allow that party to make submissions on an application or at trial; or
- ordering attendance at a program within a specified time and adjourning the application.
The application for exemption from attendance may be made ex parte (with only one parent appearing in court). The grounds for granting an exemption must be one of the following:
- the applicant is seeking interim custody through an ex parte application for a restraining order where there has been domestic violence;
- a child of the party has been kidnapped or abducted; or
- in the opinion of the court, there are extraordinary circumstances.
A court may postpone the requirement to attend the Parenting after Separation and Divorce program where one of the parties has made a change that only affects on side of a custody or access arrangement. This application may be made ex parte.
The program does not provide lawyers or legal services. It is recommended that everyone involved in a family law matter consult with a lawyer. If you do not have a lawyer, you may choose to contact Legal Aid Saskatchewan or the Family Law Information Centre at 306-787-5837 or toll free at 1-888-218-2822.