Bill 23: An Act to Amend the Children’s Law Act

This bill primarily affects family law practitioners — lawyers and mediators operating in the Northwest Territories who advise separating or divorcing parents on custody arrangements, child support, and parenting plans. Day-to-day work like drafting parenting agreements, filing court applications, and advising clients on relocation rules will need to reflect the new terminology and procedural requirements. Legal advisors now have explicit duties to discuss alternative dispute resolution and inform clients of family justice services before proceeding to court. The Recalculation Service changes will also affect anyone involved in administering or enforcing child support orders, including support enforcement administrators.