Child Custody, Access, Decision-Making, and Parenting Time in London, Ontario

Your relationship with your partner may have broken down, but there is no question that your children are precious to you, and that their wellbeing is on your mind. Every family has its own, unique set of dynamics and needs. Custody and access after your separation will have to be arranged to reflect those particular circumstances and it must always be remembered that the best interests of the children are the paramount legal consideration when custody and access are being determined. Neither a mother nor a father has an automatic right to sole custody. There is no presumption that one parent will be more loving, or that one parent’s relationship is automatically more important than the other. It is important to have an experienced, knowledgeable, and compassionate family law lawyer who will consider your family’s unique situation and help you advocate for the best outcome based on your particular needs and circumstances.

What is Custody and What is Access?

In March of 2020,  the law was changed and we now call custody “decision-making responsibility”, and access is now “parenting time” or “contact” depending on the circumstances.

A parent with sole custody or decision-making responsibility makes important decisions about the child’s upbringing after consultation with the other parent. If both parents have joint decision-making responsibility, both you and your former partner will continue to make the important decisions about your children together. Access or parenting time determines where the children will live and when (or if) both parents will see and spend time with the children, and what conditions, if any, should be imposed on either parent during visits or times when they have the children with them.

London Child Custody Lawyer

We can help you understand how the care of your children is impacted by the law after your separation and come to a positive outcome for your children.  Our London lawyers can help you consider the various options available in your circumstances, and assist you in deciding on the best course of action – whether it is to seek joint decision-making, sole custody, shared parenting, or split custody in your family’s circumstances.

For the most extreme cases, we are also very experienced with urgent motions, restraining orders, police assistance and enforcement orders, and we have even obtained injunctions to prevent airlines from allowing a parent to remove children from the country. Contact us to find out whether we can help with your situation.

If you need a child custody lawyer in London, Ontario call 519-488-5263 or toll-free 1-866-428-1063.