quebecQC-598First Reading

QC-598: Bill 598: An Act to protect children and parents who are victims of family violence

Sponsor: Christine LabrieIntroduced April 2, 2026Last checked August 30, 2026

What this bill does

This Quebec bill amends the Civil Code to protect children and parents who are victims of family violence by removing the presumption that shared parental authority is always in a child's best interest, and by creating a presumption against granting custody to a parent recognized as a perpetrator of family violence.

Plain-language summary by Legisail.

Business impact

Compliance

This bill primarily affects family law practitioners, mediators, and social workers in Quebec who work with separating or divorcing families. It has limited direct impact on most businesses, though family lawyers and legal aid clinics in Quebec will need to adjust how they advise clients and argue custody cases in light of the new presumptions. Organizations that provide domestic violence support services or supervised access programs may see changes in referral patterns and case dynamics. The bill does not affect commercial activity, employment relationships, or business operations in any meaningful way.

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Where this bill is

First ReadingApril 2, 2026

Next: Second Reading debate

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