PARENTING PLANS & AGREEMENTS

At Taerk Family Law, we recognize the emotional and complex nature of custody and access disputes. With years of experience as family law lawyers, we provide the specialized insight and expertise necessary to navigate these sensitive issues. Our approach is guided by the principle of a child’s best interests, ensuring that parenting decisions are tailored to meet their unique needs. Whether through negotiation or court representation, we are here to help you resolve custody and access matters with clarity and confidence.

Sole vs. Joint Decision-Making Authority and Parenting Time

In Ontario, the terms “custody” and “access” have been replaced by “parenting decision making” and “parenting time.”

Parenting decision-making refers to the right of one or both parents to make significant decisions about their child’s care, including education, medical care, religion, and extracurricular activities. Joint decision-making authority requires a high level of cooperation between parents to ensure these decisions are made collaboratively. When agreements on decision-making cannot be reached, it can delay the resolution of contested family law cases.

Parenting time, on the other hand, outlines the schedule for when a child will spend time with each parent. Ontario family courts often favour equal or near-equal time-sharing arrangements for children, though exceptions are made in certain circumstances. In some cases, one parent may have sole decision-making authority, while parenting time is shared equally.

Creating Parenting Plans

A Parenting Plan is a mutually agreed-upon arrangement that addresses parenting decision-making and parenting time. With assistance, many parents are able to negotiate a Parenting Plan without the need for court intervention. These agreements are typically reached on consent and can resolve parenting issues independently of other matters that arise during separation.

If a court appearance is necessary, retaining an experienced family law lawyer is critical. Our team is here to guide you through this complicated area of law and help you achieve a resolution that works for you and your family.

We’re Here for You

At Taerk Family Law, we offer experienced legal guidance and a supportive, professional environment. We represent and advise clients on all areas of family law, including issues related to divorce, custody and access, spousal and child support, mobility matters, division of property, separation agreements, domestic contracts, religious marriage contracts, adoption, and cross-border family law issues. We pride ourselves on being directly accessible by phone or email, keeping everyone informed in a timely manner every step of the way. For added convenience, we also offer flexible scheduling, including evening and weekend appointments when needed. Learn more about our approach on our About Us page.

To discuss the issues of parenting plans and agreements in Toronto or Ontario in a confidential free consultation, please contact us directly.