Many of our clients are using Google or their favourite search engine to find a “child custody attorney near me”. They are often facing divorce and wanting to understand their rights and obligations regarding their children’s care. They want to remain in their child’s life and want to understand how the relationship will work after the divorce or separation. If you search for a “child custody attorney near me,” we hope you’ll find Sutherland Law. Our experienced family law team can help you understand the ins and outs of child custody law in Canada and Ontario, and help you ensure the best future for you and your family. If you want a good family lawyer in Vaughan, Ontario, reach out to Sutherland Law to speak to one of our experienced child custody attorneys today.
How Does Child Custody in Canada Work?
In 2021, Canada’s Divorce Act changed to shift the language of custody and access to focus on the parent’s responsibilities to raise and care for their children. This was more than just a language change; it was a fundamental overhaul to the way the courts viewed and managed matters regarding children. Parents now need to decide how they will build their parenting arrangements to determine where the child will live, go to school, medical care, religious education, after school activities etc. All decisions are weighed by the law as to whether they are in the best interests of the child. If you’re facing a divorce and want to get the best resolution for your family, read our blog Tips to Win Your Custody Case.
Joint Custody
If you are searching for a child custody attorney near me, you may be wanting to know more about joint custody arrangements. More parents are choosing to build a joint-custody arrangement after divorce or separation.
Joint custody does not mean that children will share their time equally with both parents. Joint custody under the law commonly means both parents share in the major decision-making responsibilities. While day-to-day decisions like what’s for supper or how to get to soccer practice are up to the individual parent, big decisions like where the child will go to school, medical treatment, and general welfare. A great divorce lawyer can help you understand the difference between parenting time and decision-making, and help you build a case to get what you want for your child. Book an appointment with a family lawyer at Sutherland Law, call us at 905.695.5500, or start your family law case online.
Search Child Custody Attorney Near Me – Learn About Parenting Time and Decision-Making Responsibilities
Under the new provisions “child custody” is generally considered “decision-making responsibilities,” while “parenting time” describes how much time will be spent with the children.
Types of Decision-Making Arrangements
Sole-responsibility – one parent has sole authority for major decisions
Joint-responsibility (joint custody) – both parents share responsibility for major decisions.
De-facto responsibility – the children live with you and you haven’t determined decision-making responsibility. If your spouse agrees, it’s assumed you make decisions in regards to the children until a legal arrangement is made.
Types of Parenting Time Arrangements
Shared parenting – children spend 40% or more of their time with both parents.
Split parenting – each parent has one or more children living with them for most of the time.
Supervised parenting time – If there are any safety concerns, this arrangement provides a neutral and safe setting for visits supervised by an agreed-upon third party.
Of course, this is simply an overview of different arrangements. Every family situation is different, and parents searching for a child custody attorney near me should consider their situation carefully and ask their lawyer for advice before signing any arrangements.
Choose Sutherland Law in Vaughan Ontario When you Need a Child Custody Attorney Near Me
Located in the heart of Vaughan, Ontario, Sutherland Law has proudly served the GTA in family law matters, and provides expertise in employment law, construction law, real estate law, criminal law and litigation. Whether you are looking for a child custody attorney near me, want to explore your options for a divorce lawyer, learn more about property division or child support, reach out to Sutherland Law for a consultation today.
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Resource: Government of Ontario: Parenting time, decision-making responsibility and contact