How Child Custody Is Decided in a Contested Divorce in Ontario

1. 2025 HowChildCustodyIsDecidedina ContestedDivorceinOntario DivorceGO.ca

2. Contents ...............................................................................................................................1 UnderstandingaContestedDivorceinOntario..................................................3 Custodyvs.Decision-MakingResponsibility.................................................4 TheLegalFrameworkforChildCustodyinOntario..........................................4 TheBestInterestsoftheChildPrinciple........................................................5 TypesofDecision-MakingArrangementsinOntario.....................................6 FactorsCourtsConsiderinCustodyDecisions...................................................6 TheChild’sPhysical,Emotional,andPsychologicalWell-Being...................7 StabilityoftheChild’sLivingArrangements.................................................7 EachParent’sAbilitytoProvideCareandMeetNeeds..................................7 HistoryofCaregivingRoles...........................................................................8 PresenceofFamilyViolenceorSafety Concerns...........................................8 TheChild’sPreferences(WhenAge-Appropriate).........................................8 EvidencePresentedinaCustodyDispute..........................................................8 ParentingAssessmentsandProfessionalReports...........................................9 WitnessTestimonyfromTeachers,Doctors,orRelatives..............................9 DocumentationofSchedules,Communication,andCaregivingHistory.......10 RoleofaDivorceLawyer inCustody Cases.....................................................10 AdvisingonLegalRightsandStrategy.........................................................11 Gatheringand PresentingEvidenceEffectively.............................................11 RepresentingtheClientinCourtandNegotiations........................................11 AlternativeDisputeResolutioninCustodyDisputes.........................................12 MediationorArbitrationasAlternativestoTrial...........................................12 BenefitsofReachingaParentingAgreementOutsideofCourt.....................13 HowAgreementsAreMadeLegallyBinding...............................................13 PossibleOutcomesinCustodyDecisions..........................................................14 CourtOrdersforSoleorJointDecision-MakingResponsibility....................14

3. ParentingTimeSchedulesand Conditions....................................................15 ImpactonChildSupportArrangements........................................................15ModifyingCustodyOrdersAfteraContestedDivorce......................................16 WhenandHowCustodyOrdersCanBeChanged.........................................16 Requirementfora MaterialChangeinCircumstances...................................16 VisitDivorceGoLawFirm...............................................................................17 • UnderstandingaContestedDivorceinOntario • AcontesteddivorceinOntariooccurswhenspouses cannot agreeon oneormorekeyissuesrelated totheend oftheirmarriage.Underthe DivorceAct, adivorce is • considered―contested‖ifdisagreementsrequirethe court’sinterventiontomakeafinaldecision.Thisprocess ofteninvolvesformalcourtproceedings,evidence submission,and potentiallymultiple hearingsbeforea • judgeissues bindingorders. • Incontesteddivorces,someofthemostcommondisputes include: • Childcustodyandparentingtime • Childsupportamountsandpayment arrangements • Spousalsupportentitlementandduration • Divisionofpropertyanddebtresponsibility • Whenchildrenareinvolved,custodyandparentingtime areoftenthemostemotionallychargedmatters.

4. Custodyvs.Decision-MakingResponsibility • Ontario’sfamilylawhasshiftedawayfrom theterm • ―custody‖and nowusesdecision-makingresponsibility • tobetterreflectthelegalroleaparentplaysintheir child’slife. • Decision-makingresponsibilityreferstoa parent’s legalauthorityto makesignificant decisions about • thechild’shealth, education,religion, andoverall welfare. • Parentingtimereferstowhenaparentisresponsible forthechild’scare,includingday-to-daydecision- • makingduringthattime. • While ―custody‖isstillacommonlyusedtermin everydayconversation,thecourts,lawyers,and legal documentsinOntarionowfollowthisupdated terminologytoreduceconflict andpromoteco-operative parenting. • TheLegalFrameworkforChildCustodyinOntario • Childcustody— now referred to in lawasdecision- makingresponsibility—inOntarioisgovernedbyboth federalandprovinciallegislation.Twomainstatutes apply:

5. DivorceAct(federal) –Appliestomarriedparents whoaredivorcingandoutlinescustody,parenting time, and support provisions. • Children’sLawReformAct(CLRA)(provincial) –Appliestobothmarriedandunmarriedparents, addressingdecision-making andparenting timefor • childrenlivingin Ontario. • TheBestInterestsoftheChildPrinciple • RegardlessofwhethertheDivorceActorthe CLRA applies,Ontariocourtsmakedecisionsbasedonthebest interestsof thechild.Thisprincipleensuresthatthe • child’sphysical,emotional,andpsychologicalwell-being takespriorityoverparentalpreferences.Factors consideredinclude: • Thechild’sneeds andstageofdevelopment • Thechild’srelationshipwitheachparentandother importantindividuals(e.g.,siblings,grandparents) • Theabilityandwillingnessofeachparenttosupport thechild’semotional,cultural,andlinguistic upbringing • Thehistoryofcaregivingand anyconcernsabout familyviolence orneglect

6. TypesofDecision-MakingArrangementsin Ontario • Ontariocourtsmayorderdifferent decision-making structuresdependingonthecircumstances, including: • Soledecision-making responsibility–Oneparent hastheexclusiveright tomakemajordecisions about thechild’s upbringing. • Jointdecision-makingresponsibility–Bothparents shareauthorityand mustwork togetheronmajor decisions. • Splitdecision-makingresponsibility–Each parent • isresponsibleforcertaindecisionsorforspecific childreninthefamily. • Sharedresponsibilitiesunderparentingplans– Detailedarrangementsthatoutlinehowdecision- makingandparentingtimewill bedivided,often • customizedtosuitthefamily’sunique needs. • FactorsCourtsConsiderinCustodyDecisions • Whendecidingondecision-makingresponsibilityand parentingtimeinacontesteddivorce, Ontariocourts focusonwhatarrangementbestservesthe child’sbest interests.Thejudge’sassessmentis fact-specificand considersarangeof factors, including:

7. TheChild’sPhysical,Emotional,andPsychological Well-Being Courtsevaluatehoweachproposedarrangement will impactthechild’ssafety,health,emotionalstability, and long-termdevelopment.Thisincludesassessingaccessto medicalcare,education,emotionalsupport,anda nurturing environment. StabilityoftheChild’sLivingArrangements Judgesoftenfavourarrangementsthatminimize disruptiontothechild’slife.Factorssuchascontinuityin schooling, communityties,andestablishedroutinesplay animportantroleindeterminingwhatwillprovidethe moststability. EachParent’sAbilitytoProvideCareandMeet Needs Thecourtexamineseachparent’sabilitytomeetthe child’s day-to-dayneeds—includingfood,shelter, medicalcare,and emotionalsupport.Aparent’swork schedule,financialstability, andwillingness tocooperate withtheotherparent mayalso beconsidered.

8. HistoryofCaregivingRoles Thejudgewillrevieweachparent’spastinvolvementin thechild’slife,includingwhoprovidedprimarycare, attendedmedicalappointments,helpedwith schoolwork, andparticipatedin extracurricular activities. PresenceofFamilyViolenceorSafetyConcerns Evidenceofabuse,neglect, or othersafetyrisks istaken veryseriously.The courtprioritizesprotectingthechild fromanyharm,whichcanincludelimitingorsupervising parentingtimewherenecessary. TheChild’sPreferences(WhenAge-Appropriate) Whenachildismatureenoughtoexpresstheirviews,the court maytaketheirpreferences into account. Whilethese wishes arenotthesoledecidingfactor,theyareweighed alongsideotherconsiderations toensurethe arrangement reflectsthechild’sbest interests. EvidencePresentedinaCustodyDispute Inacontesteddivorceinvolvingchildcustody—or moreaccurately,decision-making responsibilityand parentingtime— Ontariocourts relyoncredible,relevant evidencetodeterminewhatarrangementisinthechild’s bestinterests.Thisevidencecancomefromprofessional assessments,witnesstestimony,anddocumentaryrecords

9. thatillustrate thechild’sneedsand each parent’sabilityto meet them. • ParentingAssessmentsandProfessionalReports • Courtsmayorderaparenting assessment undersection 30oftheChildren’sLawReformAct.Theseassessments areconductedbyqualifiedprofessionals suchas psychologists,socialworkers,orother familyspecialists. Thereport will typicallyinclude: • Observationsofthechild’sinteractionswitheach parent • Evaluationsofeachparent’sabilitytomeetthe child’sneeds • Recommendationsfordecision-makingandparenting timearrangements • Theseprofessionalopinionscarrysignificantweightin custodydecisions. • WitnessTestimonyfromTeachers,Doctors,or Relatives • Witnesseswhohavedirect,consistent contactwith the childcanprovidevaluableinsightintothechild’swell- beingandthequalityof theparent–childrelationship. • Examplesinclude:

10. Teachers,whocancommentonschoolperformance, attendance,andbehaviour • Doctorsortherapists,whocanspeaktothechild’s healthandemotionalneeds • Relativesorfamilyfriends,whomayhaveobserved caregivingpatternsorparenting abilities • DocumentationofSchedules,Communication,and CaregivingHistory • Parentsoftensubmitrecordstodemonstratetheirrolein thechild’slife,suchas: • Calendarsshowingparentingtimeanddailyroutines • Logsofschool drop-offs,extracurricular activities, andmedical appointments • Communicationrecords(texts,emails)showingco- operationorlack thereof • Photographsornotesdocumentingsignificant caregivingevents • Well-organizeddocumentationcanstrengthenaparent’s case byprovidingconcrete proofoftheirinvolvementand commitment to thechild’s welfare. • RoleofaDivorceLawyerinCustodyCases • Inacontesteddivorceinvolvingchildcustody—or decision-makingresponsibilityandparentingtime— havinganexperienced Ontariodivorcelawyercanmake

11. asignificant differencein bothstrategyand outcome. Familylaw inOntario iscomplex,and custodydisputes areoftenemotionallycharged.Alawyer’sroleextends beyondlegalrepresentationtoguidingclientsthrough everystageofthe process. AdvisingonLegalRightsandStrategy Adivorcelawyerhelpsclientsunderstandtheirlegal rightsandobligationsundertheDivorceActand Children’sLawReformAct.TheyexplainhowOntario courtsapplythe bestinterestsofthechildtest,assessthe strengthsandweaknesses ofthecase,anddevelopa legal strategytailoredtotheclient’sgoals. This includes realistic adviceon likelyoutcomes andalternativedispute resolution options. GatheringandPresentingEvidenceEffectively Alawyer ensuresthatrelevantevidence—such as parentingassessments,witnessstatements,andcaregiving documentation—iscollected,organized,andpresented inapersuasivemanner.Theyknowhow tohighlight factorsthatsupporttheclient’spositionwhileaddressing anyweaknessestheother sidemight raise. RepresentingtheClientinCourtandNegotiations Incourt,adivorcelawyerpresentsarguments, examines witnesses, andchallenges evidencepresented bythe

12. opposingparty. Outsideofcourt, theynegotiate parenting arrangements,aimingtosecureagreementsthat protect • thechild’sbestinterestswhilereducingconflict.Where possible,theyworktowards settlementsthatavoid prolongedlitigationandfosterco-operativeparenting. • AlternativeDisputeResolutioninCustody Disputes • Whilecontesteddivorcesoftenendupincourt,many parentsinOntarioexplorealternativedisputeresolution (ADR)methodssuchasmediationorarbitrationto resolvecustodydisputes.Theseapproachescanbe less adversarial,morecost-effective,andfasterthana full trial,whilestill focusingonthebestinterestsofthe child. • MediationorArbitrationasAlternativestoTrial • Mediation involvesworkingwithaneutralthird- partymediatorwhohelpsparentsdiscuss issues, exploreoptions,andworktowardsa mutually acceptableparentingplan. Mediatorsdo not make decisions;instead,theyguidecommunicationand negotiation. • Arbitration isamoreformalprocesswherean independentarbitrator—oftenaseniorfamily • lawyerorretiredjudge—listenstoboth sidesand makesabindingdecision.Arbitrationcanbetailored

13. tothefamily’sneedsandmaybefasterthan waiting foracourt date. • BenefitsofReachingaParentingAgreement OutsideofCourt • Lowerconflict–Encouragescooperativeproblem- solvingratherthan combativelitigation. • Greatercontrol–Parentshavemoreinfluence over theoutcome, ratherthanleavingdecisions entirelyto a judge. • Flexibility–Agreementscanbe customizedto reflectthefamily’suniquecircumstances. • Reducedcostandtime–ADRcansavesignificant legalfeesandshortenthe resolution timeline. • HowAgreementsAreMadeLegallyBinding • Onceparentsreachanagreementthroughmediationor arbitration,thetermscanbeformalizedinseveral ways: • ParentingPlan –Adetailedwrittenagreementthat outlinesdecision-makingandparentingtime arrangements. • SeparationAgreement –Abroaderdocument coveringcustodyas wellas othermatters suchas support and propertydivision.

14. ConsentOrder–Anagreementfiledwiththecourt andapproved byajudge,makingitlegally enforceablelikeanyothercourt order. • PossibleOutcomesinCustodyDecisions • When anOntariocourtresolvesacustodydisputeina contesteddivorce,theresultingorderswill address decision-makingresponsibility,parentingtime,and relatedmatterssuchaschildsupport.Theseoutcomesare tailoredto thechild’sbestinterestsandthe family’s unique circumstances. • CourtOrdersforSoleorJointDecision-Making Responsibility • Thecourtmayorder: • Soledecision-making responsibility–Oneparent hasexclusiveauthoritytomakemajordecisions • aboutthechild’shealth,education,religion,and welfare. • Jointdecision-makingresponsibility–Bothparents • shareauthorityand mustconsult one another before makingmajordecisions.Thisarrangementis typicallyorderedwhenparentscancommunicate effectivelyandcooperateinthechild’sbestinterests.

15. ParentingTimeSchedulesandConditions • Parentingtime (formerly―access‖)outlines wheneach parentwill careforthechild.Orders mayinclude: • Regularschedules(e.g.,weekdayswithoneparent, weekends withtheother) • Holidayand vacationarrangements • Conditionsto ensurethe child’ssafetyor well-being, suchas supervised parentingtime orrestrictions on relocation • ImpactonChildSupportArrangements • Custodyandparentingtimedecisionscandirectlyaffect childsupportunderOntario’sChildSupport Guidelines.Forexample: • Insharedparentingarrangements(eachparenthasthe childat least 40%of thetime),support amounts may beadjustedtoreflectbothparents’financial responsibilities. • Insoledecision-makingand primaryresidence • arrangements,the non-residentialparent typically payssupportto theotherparent. • Theseoutcomesareenforceablebylaw,andfailureto complycanlead toenforcementactions bytheFamily ResponsibilityOffice(FRO).

16. ModifyingCustodyOrdersAfteraContested Divorce • Custodyarrangements—legallyreferredtoasdecision- makingresponsibilityandparentingtimeinOntario— arenotalwayspermanent.Aschildrengrowandfamily circumstancesevolve,oneorbothparentsmayseek changesto anexistingcourt ordermadeafteracontested divorce. • WhenandHowCustodyOrdersCanBeChanged • Acustodyordercanbechangedif thecourtis satisfied thatthemodificationis inthebest interestsofthechild. Parentscan: • Negotiateanewparentingarrangement andfileit as a consent orderwith thecourt. • Applytothecourtforavariationorderifthey cannotagree.Thisinvolvessubmittingevidenceto supportthechange, anda judgewillreviewthe requestundertheapplicablelegislation—eitherthe DivorceActortheChildren’sLawReformAct. • RequirementforaMaterialChangein Circumstances • Theparentrequestingthe changemustprovethere has beenamaterialchangeincircumstancessincethe

17. originalorder.Thismeansasignificantshiftaffecting the child’sneedsor theparents’ abilityto meetthoseneeds. • Examplesinclude: • Oneparentrelocatingasignificant distance • Changesinthe child’shealth,education,oremotional well-being • Evidenceoffamilyviolenceorsafetyconcerns • Majorchanges inaparent’s availabilityorabilityto provide care • Withoutproofof suchachange, thecourtis unlikelyto alteran existingorder, asstabilityin achild’slifeis consideredakeyfactor in theirbest interests. • VisitDivorceGoLawFirm • VisitDivorceGOforexperiencedteamoffamilylawyers,ready toassistyou. • ForpersonalizedassistanceinToronto,visitusat45Sheppard AveE,Suite#500,orcallusat(416)792-5400. • InMississauga,youcanfindusat2RobertSpeckPkwy,Suite #750,orreachoutbyphoneat(905)949-1717.