Parenting Time and Decision-Making Lawyer in Ajax

Who this helps

Parents and other caregivers who need a parenting plan, want to change an existing arrangement, or are dealing with a dispute over where the children live, how decisions are made, or a proposed move.

How parenting decisions are made

Decision-making responsibility covers significant decisions about a child's health, education, culture, language, religion and significant extracurricular activities. Parenting time is the time a child spends in each parent's care. Courts apply the Divorce Act for married parents and the Children's Law Reform Act for others, and consider factors including the child's needs, relationships, views and preferences, history of care, and any family violence.

Relocation

A parent who plans to move in a way that would significantly affect the child's relationship with the other parent must generally give at least 60 days' written notice. The other parent can object. Get advice before you move or agree to a move.

The process

1. Consultation to understand your family and your goals.
2. Proposing a parenting plan or responding to one.
3. Negotiation or mediation, with court as a backup.
4. A parenting agreement or court order that sets out schedules and decision-making.

Documents to bring

• Any existing parenting agreement or court order
• A summary of the current schedule and who has handled the children's care
• School, medical or daycare information relevant to the issues
• Messages or records about missed visits or safety concerns, if any

Fees

We accept Legal Aid Ontario certificates for eligible family law matters. If you are not using a certificate, we explain the fee arrangement and give you a written estimate or quote before any work starts. Court filing fees and other disbursements are explained separately.

Next step

Book a consultation. See our family law services in Ajax and across Ontario.