Family Law — Toronto & Markham

Decision-Making & Parenting Time

We advocate for parenting arrangements that put children's safety first — with particular focus on cases involving domestic violence or coercive control.

Decision-Making Responsibility

Since 2021, the Divorce Act uses "decision-making responsibility" instead of "custody." It refers to the right to make significant decisions about a child's education, health care, religion, and extracurricular activities. It can be shared or held by one parent alone.

Parenting Time

Parenting time refers to the time each parent spends with the child. Courts determine parenting time based on the best interests of the child — considering the child's bonds, each parent's ability to meet the child's needs, and any history of violence or abuse.

Prepare a practical parenting-plan outline

The Best Interests Standard & Domestic Violence

Under the 2021 amendments to the Divorce Act, family violence is now an explicit factor in determining best interests. Courts must consider the nature and severity of the violence, whether it was directed at the child, and the risk of further harm. We know how to present evidence of family violence effectively in parenting proceedings.

Urgent Parenting Motions

When a child's safety is at immediate risk — due to violence, threats, or a parent taking the child without consent — we bring urgent motions to court. These motions can be brought without notice to the other party in genuine emergencies. We have experience obtaining urgent relief when it matters most.

Relocation

Before relocating with a child, you generally must give the other parent 60 days' written notice. They may object within 30 days, and the court can decide. Get advice before moving. The 2021 Divorce Act notice rules are part of that analysis. We handle both sides of relocation disputes.

Note on Terminology: Parenting cases that are not part of a divorce proceed under Ontario's Children's Law Reform Act, which uses similar terminology and the same best-interests focus.

Ready to protect your rights?

Every family law situation is unique. Book a consultation and speak directly with one of our lawyers about your specific circumstances.

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Practical preparation

Preparing a parenting communications chronology in Ontario