Parenting Time & Decision Making

When parents undergo a separation or divorce, some of the most challenging decisions revolve around the children. Key questions include: Who will the children live with? Who will have decision-making authority?

At Agha Law, we specialize in family law. Our extensive experience enables us to navigate these complex questions and address the impact of separation and divorce on children. Our goal is to help clients create parenting arrangements that prioritize the best interests of the children.

Joint Decision Making Responsibility And Parenting Time In Ontario

In Ontario, joint decision-making responsibility represents a shared parental arrangement where both parents hold equal authority in making decisions about their child’s life. Critical aspects such as health, education, and general welfare require mutual agreement from both parents. This approach aims to promote the child’s best interests by ensuring active involvement from both parents.

Legal Aspects Of Parenting Time & Decision

Whenever possible, parents should share parenting decisions and time with their children.

Sometimes, parents may opt to share decision-making and parenting time equally but decide it is in the child’s best interest to primarily reside with one parent. In such cases, the non-residential parent can maintain a strong relationship with the child through allocated parenting time.

If parents can agree on how to allocate time with their child, the arrangement can be as detailed or flexible as desired. For example, specifying which holidays the child spends with each parent can prevent future disputes. However, if parents cannot agree on major decisions or how the child’s time should be divided, a court can intervene to establish a solution.

What Determines Parenting Time in Ontario?

In Ontario, parenting time is determined by the child’s best interests and the specific needs of the family. Schedules can be ‘fixed,’ with exact days and times for each parent, or ‘open,’ allowing flexibility and mutual agreement. Regardless of the type, the main goal is to support the child’s well-being and maintain healthy relationships with both parents.

How We Help With Parenting

Considering hiring a lawyer? We frequently address the following questions for our clients:

• Who is financially responsible for the children?
• Where will the children live?
• Can my spouse take the children after moving out?
• When will I see my children?
• What happens on holidays and special occasions?

Agha Law is committed to helping clients find the best resolutions to their family law challenges, whether through informal discussions or court representation. Our dedicated lawyers and law clerks will assist you by:

• Identifying your goals for decision-making authority and parenting time and providing options to achieve these goals.
• Keeping in regular contact to update you on your case’s status.
• Negotiating on your behalf with the other party or their lawyer.
• Drafting agreements to outline the terms of your parenting time arrangement, including detailed schedules.
• Preparing court documents if negotiations fail and reviewing them with you.
• Filing your application in court and representing you at every stage of the court process.
• Ensuring enforcement of your agreement or court order.

We understand that the breakdown of a relationship is a challenging time for everyone involved. At Agha Law, we strive to resolve decision-making authority and parenting time disputes amicably and efficiently.