As the biological parents of your child, both parents have legal authority over their child. Once the parents separate, the question becomes: is continued joint custody in the child’s best interests?
The family lawyers of Hallmark Attorneys LLP will advise you on the most suitable answer to that question based on your specific situation. Based in Richmond Hill, Ontario, we are committed to providing solutions for separated parents on how to best develop a meaningful relationship with their children.
Understanding What Custody Arrangements Mean For Parents And Children
Generally speaking, courts tend to favour solutions that allow both parents to have an impactful relationship with their children. However, when there is high conflict between the parents or the parents have substantially different beliefs regarding the educational, religious and/or healthcare needs of the child, joint custody may not be appropriate. In these cases, one parent will be granted sole custody.
Custody does not refer to the issue of how much time the child spends with each parent. Rather, it determines legal authority in dealing with schools, healthcare providers, and religious officials.
Access Arrangements Differ From Family To Family
How much time the child spends with each parent is an issue of access. There is no best pre-determined arrangement. Each family is unique.
The specific needs of the child (which can vary with age), the roles adopted prior to separation, the employment obligations of the parents and other factors all influence the parenting plan.
Ultimately, the question is what parenting plan maximizes the child’s time with each parent, consistent with the child’s best interests.
Contact Us for Legal Assistance
Arrange a meeting to discuss your situation, and we’ll tell you how we can help. Call us at +1 (548) 708 4291 or fill in the form below.
