Parenting time and decision-making
For parents working out where children live, how the week is shared and who makes the big decisions.
What it costs
Hourly
Billed by the hour. We quote an estimate in writing and set it out in your retainer before any work starts.
How our fees work1.Overview
Since March 2021, the Divorce Act and Ontario's Children's Law Reform Act use the terms parenting time and decision-making responsibility in place of custody and access. A court decides these issues based only on the best interests of the child. We help you build a parenting plan that fits your children's ages, school and routines. If you cannot agree, we take the matter to court and ask for a schedule that works for your family.
We start with the children's week as it is now. School drop-offs, shift work and activities decide more about a good schedule than any template does. Then we look at holidays, travel and how you will talk to each other about changes.
If a parent plans to move in a way that changes the children's routine, the law requires written notice at least 60 days before the move. We help you give notice, or respond to one you received.
2.What is included
- 2.1Parenting plans and weekly schedules
- 2.2Holiday and travel terms
- 2.3Relocation notices and disputes
- 2.4Urgent motions when a child's safety is at issue
- 2.5Referrals to family mediators and parenting coordinators
3.Papers to bring
You do not need all of these for the first meeting. Bring what you have, and your clerk will tell you what is still missing.
- a.The current weekly routine
- b.School and child care details
- c.Any past agreement or order
- d.Notes of recent incidents, if safety is a concern
4.How it usually goes
This issue can be settled by agreement or decided by a judge. We try negotiation or mediation first. If that fails, or if a child's safety is at risk, we go to court.
Every file starts with a short call, a consultation, a written retainer and financial disclosure. See the stages on our how a case moves timeline.
Questions about parenting
Each answer is general information. Your lawyer will tell you how it applies to you.
Will my children have to speak to a judge?
Rarely. Their views can reach the court in other ways, such as a report from the Office of the Children's Lawyer.
What if I am worried about my child's safety?
Call us the same day. We can ask the court for an urgent order, and we can refer you to support services in Ottawa.
How much does a first consultation cost?
A one-hour consultation is $250 plus HST. If you hire us, we credit that amount to your account.
Do you accept Legal Aid Ontario certificates?
Yes, for family law matters. Legal Aid Ontario decides who qualifies, so apply to them first and bring your certificate to the consultation.
Can you act for both my spouse and me?
No. In family law we can act for only one spouse. Your spouse will need their own lawyer, and the Law Society Referral Service can help them find one.
Start with one hour and a written quote.
(613) 555-0117- Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Evening video meetings by appointment
- Saturday and Sunday, closed
