What is a Voice of the Child Report?
When families go through separation or divorce, the legal question is What is in the child’s best interest? But how do we know what children are thinking or feeling? That’s where a Voice of the Child Report can come in, whether parents are negotiating, going through mediation or arbitration, or in court.
If you’re in the middle of a parenting dispute in Ontario and someone suggests getting a “Voice of the Child Report,” don’t worry. It’s not a courtroom cross-examination of your child. In fact, it’s quite the opposite.
So, What Is a Voice of the Child Report?
A Voice of the Child (VOC) Report is a written summary of a child’s views and preferences, prepared by a trained professional, typically a social worker, therapist, or legal professional, with specific training in interviewing children.
Its purpose? To give children a safe, neutral space to express how they feel about things like:
Where they live
How much time they spend with each parent
Day-to-day routines
School, friends, or other concerns
The report isn’t about picking sides. It’s about making sure that, when decisions are being made about a child’s life, their voice is heard.
Is This the Same as the Child Testifying?
No, and that’s the whole point.
Ontario family courts are very cautious about putting children in the middle of a legal battle. A VOC report offers a way to consider their input without making them testify in court.
The child is interviewed in a calm, age-appropriate way, usually outside of court, and the professional writes a report that is then shared with the parties (and sometimes the judge). Depending on the case, the report might summarize the child’s views directly, or also provide some context about the child’s emotional state or family dynamics.
When Are Voice of the Child Reports Used?
VOC reports are typically used in parenting disputes involving children who are old enough and mature enough to have meaningful input; generally around age 7 or older, though it depends on the child.
They’re commonly requested in:
Custody and access (now called decision-making responsibility and parenting time) disputes
Mediation or collaborative family law
Court proceedings where the child’s preferences are relevant to the outcome
Judges can order a VOC report, or the parents can agree to have one done.
Are They Binding? Do Judges Always Follow What the Child Wants?
Not necessarily.
A VOC report is one piece of evidence. Courts in Ontario are always guided by the best interests of the child, and while a child’s wishes are an important part of that, they aren’t the only part.
The court may consider:
The child’s age and maturity
Whether the child seems to be influenced or coached
Whether their preferences are realistic, safe, and in line with their long-term well-being
So while the child’s voice matters, the final decision rests with the judge (or the parents, if they settle outside of court).
Who Pays for the Report?
That depends.
In some cases, a judge may order a Section 30 assessment under the Children’s Law Reform Act, which could be broader and more in-depth (and more expensive).
But a VOC report is a simpler, lower-cost alternative, and costs are often shared between the parents, either equally or in proportion to their incomes. Prices can range depending on the professional involved, but generally they’re more affordable and less invasive than a full-blown custody assessment (generally costing $1,500-$3,000/child).
Is This the Right Step for My Family?
If you and your co-parent are disagreeing about parenting time or decision-making, and your child is old enough to have a say, a Voice of the Child Report can be a powerful tool, especially when handled respectfully and in the right context.
That said, it’s not for every family, and it’s important to make sure it’s being used to support your child, not to score legal points. We would never want a child to face retribution from either parent after expressing their views and preferences.
At Passageway Law, we can help you decide whether a VOC report makes sense in your situation, walk you through the process, and connect you with trusted professionals who put your child’s well-being first.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. To understand whether a Voice of the Child Report is appropriate in your case, speak to a qualified family lawyer.