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23 | The IFP -H alton H ills | T hursday,M arch 12,2020 theifp.ca When do Children have the right to decide whether they will live with their mother or father? ASK THE PROFESSIONAL The advice offered in this column is intended for informational purposes only. Use of this column is not intended to replace or substitute any professional, financial, medical, legal, or other professional advice. We work for you. legal matters Q A Children's Residence Helsons LLP is a firm of 9 Lawyers. We trace our firm back to 1885 in Georgetown, Ontario Frederick A. Helson (1921-2018) Allan W. Kogon (retired) David J. Ashbee John E. Schaljo Mark T. Rush Steven D. Kogon Caley E. Power Jessica A. Krause Jasmine M. Spudic Nicole E. Kucherenko Fiona A. Japaul Nancy L. Carnwath (retired) There is one clear answer to this question. When a child is 16 years old they can decide which parent to live with or they can live on their own without either parent. Under 16 the wishes of the child are established in court through the Children's Lawyer after conducting an assessment. How much of a say the child has is a factor of age and maturity. A mature 7 year old may have his or her wishes explained to a Judge but would be given very little weight. A 14 year old's wishes in almost all cases determines whether they will live with mom or dad. The older and more mature a child gets the more weight is given to the child's wishes. Helsons LLP Barristers and Solicitors 132 Mill Street, Georgetown, Ontario L7G 2C6 Tel: (905) 877-5200 35 Mill Street East, Acton, Ontario L7J 1H1 Tel: (519) 929-9333 Email: info@helsons.ca Web: www.helsons.ca David J. Ashbee 2018 Large Business of the Year Prearranging your burial or cremation is the last gift you can give your family. It releases them from having to quickly make decisions in their time of grief. It also frees them from the need to pay costs associated with your cemetery arrangements. Contact one of our family counsellors to discuss your wishes and options. Owned and operated by The Roman Catholic Episcopal Corporation of the Diocese of Hamilton 905-877-8500 | www.devereauxcemetery.ca A Final Gift to Your Family musical theatre summer camp July 6 - 17 ages 8 - 11 July 20 - 31 ages 12 - 15 info:www.globeproductions.ca info@globeproductions.ca GeorGetown/the old armoury register now our Recyclables Here! We Have.....Antiques &More CloSeD Mon. & TueS.49A Mountainview Rd N,Georgetown (just south of Armstrong) 905-877-6508 Shop For Treasures Today! Drop Your Recyclables Here! We Have.....Antiques 905-877-6508 Acton's Leathertown Festival has been named one of the top festivals in the province. Festival and Events On- tario (FEO) awarded the lo- cal festival a Top 100 Events in Ontario award, during the FEO's annual confer- ence in Richmond Hill. The top 100 events were determined based on sever- al criteria, including the uniqueness of the event, audience appeal, economic impact to the community, and overall quality of the event experience. Events were judged by an independent panel of judges who adjudicated submissions from commu- nity festivals to interna- tionally recognized events. "This is exciting news for our community and our festival," Alex Hilson, Ac- ton BIA co-ordinator, said in a prepared release. "This award is a well-deserved nod toward the exceptional efforts put forward by the organizers and partici- pants of this event over de- cades. I'd particularly like to thank our event co-ordi- nator, Kim Duncanson, who was instrumental in getting this award for our town." The Leathertown Festi- val was originally named "Back to Acton Days" when it began in 1977. The festi- val was renamed in 1992. Today, the festival exists as a celebration of Canadian craftsmanship, and 2020 will be the festival's 43rd year. FESTIVAL AMONG ONTARIO'S TOP EVENTS BRYAN MYERS bmyers@metroland.com Legendary children's performer Fred Penner entertains a large crowd at a recent Acton Leathertown Festival on Sunday. The annual celebrates Acton's rich history in leather craftsmanship. Ray Lavender photo NEWS