Parenting lawyers serving Credit Valley
Parenting Lawyers in Credit Valley: Decision-Making Responsibility & Parenting Time
Since March 2021, Ontario and federal family law no longer use the old custody-and-access language. Courts now make orders about decision-making responsibility — who decides the significant questions about a child's education, health, religion and activities — and parenting time, the schedule of the child's time with each parent.
Free 15-minute intake call — $199 per half-hour for substantive advice
For Credit Valley parents near the west Brampton area around Queen Street West and Chinguacousy Road, we negotiate and litigate parenting arrangements with one test in view, because it is the only test the court applies: the best interests of the child.
Parenting matters we handle for Credit Valley families
- Parenting plans and comprehensive parenting schedules
- Sole and joint decision-making responsibility arrangements
- Parenting time schedules, holidays and make-up time
- Urgent motions, including relocation and travel disputes
- Changes to existing parenting orders when circumstances change
- Grandparent and non-parent contact issues
How it works
- Free 15-minute consultation focused on your children's arrangements
- A proposed parenting plan built around the children's actual routine
- Negotiation first — court only where agreement fails or safety requires it
- Final terms in a separation agreement or court order
Learn more on our Family Law practice page, or bring your questions to a consultation — the first 15 minutes are free.
Decision-Making Responsibility & Parenting Time questions from Credit Valley
Is 'custody' still a thing in Ontario?+
The concept lives on under new names: decision-making responsibility (the old custody) and parenting time (the old access). Orders made today use the new terms — and the change was meant to refocus disputes on children rather than on winning labels.
How do courts decide parenting disputes for Credit Valley families?+
Solely on the best interests of the child — considering the child's needs, each parent's ability to care for them, the child's views where appropriate, family violence, and the benefit of relationships with both parents. Parental preferences matter only through that lens.
Can parenting time be denied if support isn't paid?+
No. Parenting time and support are separate obligations — withholding one over the other harms the child in the court's eyes and damages the withholding parent's position.
Do we have to go to court?+
Most parenting arrangements settle through negotiation into a parenting plan or separation agreement. Court exists for genuine disputes and urgency — we prepare every file for it, and most files never need it.
Talk to a lawyer about decision-making responsibility & parenting time today
Your first 15 minutes are a free intake call. Substantive advice is billed at $199 per half-hour (CAD), and we confirm the rate with you before billed time begins. Meet us by Google Meet video call or in person at 25 Watline Avenue, Unit GR21, Mississauga. Monday to Friday, 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM.