FAMILIES COUNT 2024 | FAMILY STRUCTURE 6 - Polyamorous families have

Polyamorous families have broadened family law FAMILIES COUNT 2024 | FAMILY STRUCTURE 6 Polyamorous families havebroadened family law Polyamorous families are one of the growing are not counted in the Census nor included number of diverse family structures in in the definition of a census family household, Canada. [...] For infrequent), and the roles and expectations example, the Divorce Act defines “spouse” within can vary greatly depending on the as “either of two persons who are married preferences of the people involved. [...] Because the provincial THE VANIER INSTITUTE OF THE FAMILY FAMILIES COUNT 2024 | FAMILY STRUCTURE Children’s Law Act did not allow for more than dynamics, including social acceptance and two people to be named as the legal parents legal protection, coming out to children, of a child, only two could be listed on the time management, and reconciling family child’s birth certificate. [...] Many and not as a detriment to the best interests parents in polyamorous families also cited of the child.” strengths of their family structure, such as having a larger support network for In 2021, a British Columbia court ruled that themselves and their children. [...] Families Count 2024 is a publication of the Vanier Institute of the Family that provides accurate and timely information on families and family life in Canada.