What is the parenting-after-separation session in Quebec?
Short answer
It is a free information session, offered remotely by the ministère de la Justice and led by two experienced mediators — one from the legal field, one from the psychosocial field. You are legally required to attend if you and your former spouse still disagree on the issues of your separation when heard by the judge, and the attendance certificate given at the end lets you be heard if the case is contested. An exemption exists for victims of domestic violence.
In detail
The content. The session covers in depth the consequences of the separation on the family — the psychological shock, the children's needs and reactions, communication with the other parent (90 minutes) — then the family mediation process and the legal aspects (30 minutes), followed by a question period.
The logistics. You must reserve your place with the ministère de la Justice; about 48 hours before the session, you receive the connection instructions and the documentation. The session is offered remotely, free of charge.
The obligation and the certificate. The legal obligation applies if you and your former spouse still disagree on the issues of your separation when you are heard by the judge — only attending this session satisfies the obligation. At the end you receive an attendance certificate, which lets you be heard by the court if your case is contested: keep it.
The exemption. An exemption exists for a person who states they are a victim of domestic violence: they can instead go to a recognized victims' assistance service (CAVAC, CLSC, shelter). On the mediation that often accompanies this step, see our guide Family mediation.
What to document
The date of your session and the attendance certificate — a dated exhibit to keep carefully (put it in the vault), since it conditions your right to be heard if the case is contested. Also note the deadline: the session must be done before you are heard by the judge.
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Official sources
- Québec.ca — Free information session on parenting after separation
- Québec.ca — Séance sur la parentalité après la rupture (French)
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What this page is not
This is general legal information about the law of Quebec and Canada, dated and sourced. It is not legal advice, not a strategy, and not a prediction about the outcome of a case. In Quebec, only lawyers and notaries may give legal advice (Act respecting the Barreau du Québec, ss. 128 and 133). Laws and amounts change: the official source always prevails over us.