What Are Parenting Time and Decision-Making Responsibility?
As of recent updates to the Divorce Act and Ontario’s Children’s Law Reform Act, the terms custody and access have been replaced with more modern, child-focused language:
- Parenting Time refers to the time a child spends in the care of each parent.
- Decision-Making Responsibility refers to the authority to make significant decisions about a child’s upbringing, including education, health care, religion, and extracurricular activities.
These changes reflect a shift toward shared responsibilities and cooperative parenting. Our lawyers ensure your parenting plan uses up-to-date legal terminology and accurately reflects your child’s needs.
Why Parenting Arrangements Matter
A well-crafted parenting arrangement can:
- Reduce confusion and conflict between parents
- Provide children with stability and routine
- Clarify expectations and responsibilities
- Protect each parent’s relationship with the child
- Address important issues like holiday schedules, travel, and schooling
At Prudent Law, we work with you to create customized parenting plans that consider your unique family dynamics, your child’s best interests, and your legal rights.
Types of Parenting Time Arrangements
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution to parenting after separation. Courts and family law professionals encourage flexible arrangements tailored to the family’s needs. Common arrangements include:
- Shared Parenting Time: The child spends roughly equal time with each parent (usually 40% or more with each).
- Primary Parenting Time: The child lives mainly with one parent, with scheduled visits to the other.
- Split Parenting Time: In cases with multiple children, each parent may have primary care of different children (less common).
Our Mississauga parenting time lawyers can help you negotiate a balanced schedule that reflects your child’s routine, school, activities, and emotional well-being.
Understanding Decision-Making Responsibility
Decision-making responsibility can be:
- Sole – One parent makes all major decisions.
- Joint – Both parents must agree on major decisions.
- Divided – Each parent has authority over specific areas (e.g., one decides on education, the other on health).
In high-conflict situations, courts may order sole responsibility to one parent to avoid constant disputes. We’ll help you explore the best model for your family, whether you’re drafting an agreement or preparing for a court application.
How Courts Decide Parenting Matters in Ontario
When parents cannot agree, the court intervenes to make a parenting order. Under Ontario law, the child’s best interests always come first. The court considers several factors, including:
- The child’s needs, age, and development
- The strength of each parent-child relationship
- Each parent’s willingness to support the other parent’s role
- History of family violence or neglect
- Any plans for the child’s care
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We’ll help you present a clear and compelling case to support your position—whether in mediation or court.
Modifying Existing Parenting Arrangements
Life changes—jobs relocate, children grow older, and family dynamics shift. If an existing agreement or court order is no longer working, you may be able to apply for a modification. You must show a material change in circumstances, such as:
- A parent’s relocation
- A significant change in a parent’s ability to provide care
- A change in the child’s needs or wishes
We help clients revisit parenting arrangements legally and efficiently, ensuring that any updates continue to support the child’s best interests.
Parenting Plans & Separation Agreements
A well-drafted parenting plan should be part of every separation agreement or divorce settlement. Our legal team ensures your parenting plan includes:
- A clear schedule of parenting time
- Holiday and vacation arrangements
- Rules for communication (phone calls, emails, messaging)
- Guidelines for decision-making
- Dispute resolution methods (e.g., mediation)
Clarity prevents misunderstandings and reduces the risk of future legal disputes. Let Prudent Law create a parenting plan that protects your rights and supports your family’s stability.
Why Choose Prudent Law?
- Experienced Mississauga Family Lawyers
- Clear, professional advice tailored to your situation
- Strong advocacy in both negotiation and litigation
- Transparent communication and compassionate service
- A child-focused approach to parenting matters
Our lawyers are skilled negotiators and strong litigators. Whether you’re seeking an amicable agreement or need to defend your rights in court, we are here to support you with confidence and care.
Book a Consultation Today
Don’t leave your parenting arrangements to chance.
Book a Consultation now or Speak with a Family Lawyer Today to discuss parenting time and decision-making responsibility in Mississauga.
