Fixed Parenting Time in Toronto

Divorce is rarely easy, especially when children are involved. It can be especially difficult to put your future relationship with your kids in the hands of a judge. The outcome of these cases can determine the extent of your parenting time moving forward.

While flexible options are available under the law, some parents are best served with a set schedule that is determined in advance. If you believe fixed parenting time in Toronto is an option for you, now is the time to speak with the dedicated parenting time lawyers at The Riley Divorce & Family Law Firm.

Understanding Parenting Time

Parenting time in Toronto is the legal term for having physical custody of a minor child. It represents the right to spend time with a child or even provide them with their primary residence. A judge decides this issue for divorcing or for unmarried parents.

There is no guarantee of an award of parenting time. Some parties may only get contact with their children during supervised visits, while others might not be allowed to see them all.

Parenting time is important, but it does not encompass every aspect of parental rights. Instead, the power to determine how a child is raised is known as decision-making responsibility. This covers things like their education, medical care, and religious upbringing. The court can take a different approach to awarding each set of rights.

Open vs Fixed Parenting Time

There are two different ways the court can approach parenting time: open or fixed. An open order provides the parents with more flexibility. It determines the total amount of time a non-custodial parent is awarded while leaving it up to the parties to decide how the schedule is made.

Flexibility works for some families but not for others. This approach might be ideal if you have an amicable relationship with your ex-spouse, but it can also lead to conflict and misunderstandings. For some people, fixed parenting time in Toronto is the way to go. It removes the free-form approach for a set schedule that is planned out weeks or months in advance. This option is less likely to result in conflict that can lead to contentious court proceedings.

Understanding the Best Interest of the Child Standard

When a judge decides this issue, they are required to do so based on the child’s best interests. This standard is non-negotiable, which means it is not uncommon for both parties to be unhappy with the final decision of the court.

The law provides for specific factors that a judge must take into account when deciding what is best for a juvenile. Some examples include:

  • The preference of the child
  • The proposed plan from each parent
  • The relationship between all parties
  • The amount of time spent with each parent

The skilled lawyers at The Riley Divorce & Family Law Firm understand how to make a strong case to the judge. Our Toronto lawyers could assist you in your pursuit of gaining fixed parenting time.

Talk to a Toronto Lawyer About Your Options For Fixed Parenting Time Today

While the prospect of a judge having the final say in the amount of time you are allowed to see your children is never easy, the good news is that you do not have to face these issues alone. When you work with a tenacious lawyer at The Riley Divorce & Family Law Firm, our team is available around the clock to respond to your needs.

Call right away to learn how we could help you in your pursuit of achieving fixed parenting time in Toronto.

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