Child Custody Lawyer
At Aaries Family Law, we understand that matters involving your children are the most emotionally charged and sensitive aspects of any family law case. Whether you’re facing a separation, divorce, or need to modify an existing custody agreement, our Ontario-based child custody lawyers are here to support and guide you every step of the way.
Why Choose Aaries Family Law for Child Custody in Ontario?
Navigating child custody disputes requires not only legal expertise but a deep understanding of family dynamics, children’s developmental needs, and emotional sensitivity. At Aaries Family Law, we bring:
- Extensive Experience: With years of hands-on experience resolving parenting disputes both in and out of court.
- Child-Centered Approach: We prioritize the well-being of your children (i.e. best interests of the child) and encourage solutions that foster stability and positive relationships.
- Custom Solutions: No two families are alike. We tailor every parenting plan and legal strategy to fit your unique needs and long-term goals.
Understanding Child Custody in Ontario
In Ontario, the term “custody” refers to decision-making responsibility for a child, while “access” refers to parenting time. Since the changes to Canada’s Divorce Act in 2021, these terms have shifted towards more child-focused language with decision making replacing custody and parenting time replacing access.
Types of Decision-Making Responsibility:
- Sole Decision-Making: One parent has the legal authority to make major decisions.
- Joint Decision-Making: Both parents share the responsibility.
- Split Decision-Making: Each parent is responsible for different areas (e.g., education vs. health).
- It is possible to have various protocols in place to handle disputes about decision making
Parenting Time:
This covers the schedule of when the child is in the care of each parent. Parenting time can be equal, nearly equal, or primary with one parent and limited with the other.
Our child custody lawyers in Ontario will help you understand what arrangement is most appropriate in your case—and how to document and enforce it.
Parenting time of non-biological parents, such as step parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, is also a possibility and we have experiences with all the above.
What the Court Considers in Custody Disputes
When determining parenting arrangements, Ontario courts focus on the best interests of the child, considering factors such as:
- The child’s emotional ties with each parent and other family members
- The history of care and parenting
- The child’s views and preferences (depending on age and maturity)
- Each parent’s ability to meet the child’s needs
- Stability and continuity in the child’s life
- Any history of abuse, neglect, or domestic violence
- Willingness of each parent to support the child’s relationship with the other
- The age of the children and their stage of development
Our Legal Services for Parenting and Custody Matters
Negotiating and Drafting Separation Agreements and Parenting Plans
We help you work out detailed parenting plans that clarify:
- Weekly schedules
- Holiday sharing
- Communication methods
- Decision-making guidelines
- Travel permissions
- Troubleshooting in the case of high conflict parenting
Contested Custody Cases
If parenting disputes escalate and you must go to court, we help you prepare strong evidence, affidavits, and arguments to support your case.
Parenting Plan Modifications
If life changes (e.g., relocation, job changes, safety concerns), we assist with legal modifications of custody agreements.
Emergency Motions and Protective Orders
In cases of domestic violence, alienation, or urgent safety risks, we act swiftly to secure your child’s safety through legal channels.
Voice of the Child Reports & Parenting Assessments
We help you request or respond to formal evaluations where a neutral third party assesses what arrangement best serves the child.
Mediation and Collaborative Approaches
At Aaries Family Law, we always seek to resolve parenting issues out of court when possible. Mediation and negotiation allow you to:
- Keep control over outcomes
- Avoid courtroom stress and delays
- Reduce legal fees
- Set a healthier tone for future co-parenting
We offer in-house mediation services as well as guidance through third-party mediators. If both parents are open to a constructive dialogue, this route can be empowering and efficient.
Serving Diverse Families Across Ontario
We are proud to support families from all walks of life, including:
- High-conflict separations
- LGBTQ+ parents and/or children
- Married, Unmarried or common-law parents
- Children with special needs
- Healthy and well adjusted families
- Cases with significant clinical, evidentiary, and psychological issues
Your family is unique, and your legal solution should be too.
How to Prepare for a Custody Consultation
To make the most of your first meeting with our child custody lawyer, consider gathering:
- A proposed parenting schedule or your current arrangement
- Any communications with the other parent (texts, emails)
- School records, medical info, and routines for the child
- Notes on any incidents involving safety, communication breakdown, or conflict
We’ll listen carefully and walk you through your options with honesty and care.
FAQs About Child Custody in Ontario
Do mothers automatically get custody in Ontario?
Statistically, outcomes in family court do favor mothers, but it is not automatic. The only focus is what’s in the child’s best interest – which is age dependent and child specific. Generally, as the children grow older, outcomes still favor mothers, but to a lesser degree.
Can we change a custody agreement after it’s signed?
Yes. If there’s been a significant change in circumstances, you can apply to modify the agreement.
What if my ex isn’t following the parenting order?
Enforcement is a challenging issue due to the high standard to prove contempt of court. In some cases it is easier to change the parenting time than to enforce something through contempt.
Do I need a lawyer if we agree on everything?
Yes. We have seen internet agreements that omit issue, use ambiguous terms, and the parties go to court to resolve them.
Contact Our Child Custody Lawyers in Ontario Today
At Aaries Family Law, we combine sharp legal strategy with human compassion. Our team is ready to advocate for your rights while helping your child thrive.
Call us or book a consultation online to speak with an Ontario child custody lawyer.
Let us help you move forward with clarity, confidence, and care.