Parenting Time & Decision-Making
When parents separate, one of the most important — and most personal — matters to resolve is the arrangement for children. Kassa Family Law helps parents in Oakville, Hamilton, and Ontario create workable, child-focused parenting plans.
Understanding Parenting Arrangements in Ontario
Under Ontario's Children's Law Reform Act and the federal Divorce Act, the focus in any parenting matter is the best interests of the child. The terms "custody" and "access" have largely been replaced by "decision-making responsibility" and "parenting time."
Decision-making responsibility refers to who makes major decisions about a child's life — including education, health care, religion, and extracurricular activities. It can be shared (joint) or held by one parent (sole). Parenting time refers to when the child is in each parent's care.
How Kassa Family Law Can Help
- ■Advising on parenting time schedules suited to your child's needs and your circumstances
- ■Negotiating decision-making responsibility arrangements
- ■Drafting comprehensive parenting plans
- ■Representing parents in family court proceedings
- ■Advising on relocation (moving with children) and mobility matters
- ■Addressing parental alienation and enforcement of parenting orders
- ■Varying parenting orders when circumstances change
- ■Addressing urgent parenting matters, including emergency motions
What Is a Parenting Plan?
A parenting plan is a detailed agreement that sets out how parents will share parenting time and decision-making responsibility. A well-drafted parenting plan reduces future conflict by addressing holiday schedules, school-year routines, communication between parents, and how disagreements will be resolved.
High-Conflict Parenting Matters
Some parenting disputes involve serious and contested issues — such as allegations of family violence, substance abuse, mental health concerns, or parental alienation. In these situations, early and skilled legal representation is particularly important. Anteneh Kassa has experience representing clients in high-conflict parenting matters before the Ontario family courts.
Why Early Legal Advice Matters
Parenting arrangements established early in a separation can become entrenched over time. Courts may be reluctant to disturb arrangements that have been in place — even informally — for an extended period. Getting legal advice early ensures that any parenting arrangement reflects your child's best interests and your rights as a parent.
Get Legal Advice Today
Speak with Anteneh Kassa about your family law matter. Serving Oakville, Hamilton, and Ontario.
Ready to Get Clear Legal Advice?
Contact Kassa Family Law today for a confidential consultation. We serve clients in Oakville, Hamilton, and throughout Ontario.