Parenting Time

Parenting time refers to the time a child spends in the care of a parent. Parenting schedules can range from shared arrangements to schedules in which a child primarily resides with one parent and spends specified periods of time with the other.

There is no single parenting schedule that is appropriate for every family. The right arrangement will depend on the circumstances of the children and parents, including the children's ages, established routines, relationships with each parent, school and extracurricular commitments, and the practical realities of each household.

We help clients develop and negotiate parenting schedules that are workable in everyday life, not simply on paper.

Decision-Making Responsibility

Decision-making responsibility concerns authority to make significant decisions about a child's well-being, including decisions relating to health, education, culture, language, religion and significant extracurricular activities.

Decision-making responsibility can be allocated to one parent, exercised jointly, or divided between parents by subject matter.

Where parents disagree about decision-making responsibility, we help clients assess the existing parenting history, identify the issues that matter to the court and develop a position focused on the best interests of the child.

The Best Interests of the Child

In Ontario parenting cases, the best interests of the child are the central consideration.

Courts consider the child's needs and circumstances rather than simply determining what either parent believes is fair. This can include the child's relationships with each parent and other important people, the history of the child's care, stability, each parent's ability and willingness to meet the child's needs, family violence and other circumstances affecting the child's safety and well-being.

Effective parenting advocacy therefore requires careful attention to both the evidence and the way a parent conducts themselves throughout a dispute.

Parenting Plans

A detailed parenting plan can provide structure and reduce opportunities for future conflict. Depending on the family's circumstances, a parenting plan may address:
 

• regular parenting schedules;

• holidays, school breaks and special occasions;

• decision-making responsibility;

• exchanges and transportation;

• communication concerning the children;

• travel and passports;

• extracurricular activities;

• child support;

• section 7 special or extraordinary expenses; and

• procedures for addressing future disagreements.
   

We prepare customized Ontario parenting plans designed around the needs of the particular family rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all arrangement.

Resolving Parenting Disputes

Not every parenting disagreement needs to become a court battle. Where appropriate, parenting arrangements can be resolved through negotiation, mediation or a separation agreement.

When agreement cannot be reached, however, court intervention may be necessary. We represent parents in Ontario family court proceedings involving parenting time and decision-making responsibility, including case conferences, settlement conferences, motions and trials.

Our goal is to identify which issues genuinely require litigation and which can be resolved without unnecessarily increasing conflict or legal expense.

Changes to Existing Parenting Arrangements

Families change. Children's needs evolve, work schedules change, parents move and arrangements that once worked may no longer be practical.

We advise clients seeking to change existing parenting orders or agreements, as well as parents responding to proposed changes. Where a significant change is sought, careful consideration must be given to the existing arrangement, the circumstances that have changed and the impact of the proposed change on the child.

Relocation

A parent's proposed move can create significant parenting issues, particularly where the relocation would affect the child's existing schedule or relationship with the other parent.

Relocation cases can involve specific statutory requirements and strict timelines. We advise parents who are considering relocating with a child as well as parents who oppose a proposed relocation.

Parenting Conduct During Separation

What happens after separation can become important evidence in a parenting case. Communications between parents, compliance with parenting arrangements, involvement in a child's life and the way disagreements are handled can all become relevant.

We guide our clients throughout the process, not simply when a court date approaches. Strategic parenting litigation requires understanding how today's decisions can affect tomorrow's case.

Fixed-Fee Parenting Plans

Kassa Family Law offers customized parenting plans for a fixed fee of $1,299 + HST.

Our parenting plans can address parenting time, decision-making responsibility, child support, section 7 special or extraordinary expenses and other important parenting arrangements.

Speak With a Family Lawyer

Few legal issues matter more than those involving your children. We help parents understand their rights, protect their relationship with their children and pursue practical, child-focused arrangements whether through negotiation or family court litigation.

Contact Kassa Family Law to discuss parenting time, decision-making responsibility or a parenting dispute in Ontario