It is the parenting agreement that makes the divorce process a bit complicated. A parenting agreement is a major decision-making responsibility and hence warrants both parties to have clarity about the same. It is always recommended to know everything about parenting agreements before moving further with the divorce or separation process.
This blog by Jane Mukongolo, the best divorce lawyer in Toronto explains everything about parenting agreements.
Hence, if you are about to go through an unfortunate divorce or separation, reading this blog is important for you.
What are the different types of parenting agreements?
Checkout the different types of parenting agreements below.
1) Sole parenting agreement: With sole parenting, only one parenting has the right to make decisions about the child.
However, other parent reserves the right to give his/her opinions about the decisions, and stay informed about the decisions made, but the final call will be taken by the parent having custody of the child.
Sole parenting agreement usually comes into the picture when one parent is abusive or non-capable of taking decisions.
Please note that the sole parenting agreement is valid only until the time when a child turns 18. After this age, the child can take all the decisions by himself/herself.
2) Split parenting agreement: Split parenting agreement comes into the picture when there is more than one child in a family.
For instance, let’s assume there are two children in the family. The elder one might want to reside with the mother, while the younger one might want to reside with the father. However, both must be old & mature enough to express their opinion and understand it.
With the split parenting agreement, the best interest of the child has to be maintained, and each of the parents must be able to prove that they will be able to take care of the child perfectly well.
Additionally, with a split parenting agreement, both parents must efficiently maintain communication with each other and be clear with every aspect of parenting.
3) Joint parenting agreement: When both parents make decisions for a child equally, it is termed a joint parenting agreement.
Joint parenting agreement is usually the most common type of parenting agreement as both parents equally get an opportunity to take care of the child. However, both parents should be mentally stable and non-abusive if they desire to get joint parenting.
Additionally, there should be smooth communication & coordination between both parents. If there is no communication or coordination, the court is unlikely to allow a joint parenting agreement, which could disappoint both parents.
4) Shared parenting agreement: Firstly, don’t get confused between shared & joint parenting agreements. With a shared parenting agreement, both parents roughly get the same timeframe in terms of spending the time with the child.
This parenting agreement works the best when both parents agree to set schedule. Please note that with a shared parenting agreement, there is no control over the decision-making aspect. It is just about spending physical time with the child, unlike joint custody.
What are the different types of parenting time?
Now, when you know different types of parenting agreements, let’s discuss what are different types of parenting time.
1) Reasonable parenting time: When both parents are cooperative and flexible with their parenting schedule, it is called reasonable parenting time.
Reasonable parenting time is the most flexible parenting time. It enables both parents to make changes to their parenting schedule whenever required.
2) Fixed parenting time: When the parenting time follows a fixed and specific schedule, it is termed fixed parenting time. The schedule covers the things like how much time a parent will spend with the child during weekends, holidays, or even during the regular days.
Of course, fixed parenting time is the least flexible and hardly comes with any room for modifications.
3) Supervised parenting time: Supervised parenting time comes into the picture when one parent is abusive and the time he/she spends with the child requires supervision from another parent.
If one parent has a habit of consuming large amount of alcohol or has abused a child or another parent in the past, the court is most likely to allow the supervised parenting time.
4) No parenting time: If the child is unsafe with the parent or if the parent is proven guilty of severe abuse, no parenting time comes into the picture.
As mentioned, parenting agreements make the divorce process complicated. This is why knowing every detail about parenting agreement along with the parenting time is crucial.
This blog should definitely give you an idea regarding the same, and hence make the entire divorce or separation process simple for you.
Rest, if you are looking to get any legal assistance regarding your divorce or separation process, you can count on Jane Mukongolo, one of the top divorce lawyers in Toronto.
Our team not only provides you with accurate legal advice but is also empathetic which makes us one of the top family law firms in Toronto. To connect with our team, and get guidance from the best, contact us at (647) 660-9832.
