Child Custody Help That Cares
Child Custody Lawyer Toronto – Protecting Your Parental Rights
Navigating a separation or divorce is never easy—especially when children are involved. Our experienced child custody lawyers in Toronto are here to guide you through this emotional and complex process with care, clarity, and a strong focus on your child’s well-being.
Whether you’re dealing with a high-conflict custody battle or seeking a cooperative parenting plan, we provide trusted legal support across Toronto, North York, Scarborough, and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
What is Child Custody in Ontario?
As of recent changes to Canada’s Divorce Act, the term “child custody” has been replaced with “decision-making responsibility” for married couples. This refers to the legal right to make important decisions about a child’s upbringing, such as:
- Education
- Health care
- Religious and cultural exposure
- Extracurricular activities
Parenting time (formerly known as access) refers to how much time each parent spends with the child. Both decision-making and parenting time are based on one core principle: the best interests of the child.
Best Interests of the Child: What It Means
Every custody decision in Ontario is made with one priority in mind—the child’s best interests. Courts consider a range of factors, including:
- The child’s physical, emotional, and psychological safety and development
- The strength of the child’s relationship with each parent
- Each parent’s ability to meet the child’s needs
- The child’s views and preferences (depending on age and maturity)
- Stability and consistency in the child’s life
- Any history of family violence or conflict
No one factor alone determines the outcome. The court’s goal is to ensure the child’s long-term well-being is protected.
Types of Child Custody / Decision-Making Responsibility
- Sole Decision-Making Responsibility
One parent has the authority to make all major decisions. This is often granted when there is conflict, abuse, or concerns about the other parent’s capacity. - Joint Decision-Making Responsibility
Both parents share responsibility for making significant decisions together. This works best when communication and cooperation are possible. - Split Decision-Making Responsibility
Each parent may handle decisions in different areas (e.g., one for education, the other for health care). It’s less common and highly tailored to the family’s needs.

How Our Child Custody Lawyers Can Help?
Our Toronto Family Lawyers are dedicated to creating parenting arrangements that serve your child’s best interests while protecting your legal rights. Our services include:
- Negotiating and drafting parenting plans
- Representing you in mediation or family court
- Modifying or enforcing existing custody orders
- Emergency motions in urgent or high-risk cases
We work hard to minimize conflict while advocating for fair and child-focused solutions.
Why Choose Us as Your Family Lawyer in Toronto/GTA?
Speak to a Trusted Child Custody Lawyer in Toronto
When your children are your top priority, you need legal representation that reflects that commitment. Our child custody lawyers in Toronto will advocate for a parenting arrangement that supports your child’s best interests while preserving your rights as a parent.
📞 Call us now at (647) 660-9832 or email us for a FREE 15- min consultation with a child custody in Toronto. We serve clients across Toronto, Scarborough, North York, and the GTA.
FAQs About Child Custody in Ontario
What factors do courts consider when deciding custody?
Courts evaluate the best interests of the child, including safety, well-being, the child’s preferences (where appropriate), and each parent’s ability to care for the child.
Can we create our own parenting agreement?
Yes. If both parents agree, a parenting plan can be submitted to the court for approval, making it legally binding.
What if my ex refuses to let me see my child?
You may apply to the court for a parenting time order or enforce an existing agreement. The court prioritizes maintaining healthy parent-child relationships unless there's a safety concern.
Can a child decide where to live?
A child’s preferences may be considered depending on age and maturity, but the final decision is based on overall best interests.
Can parenting arrangements be changed later?
Yes. If there’s a significant change in circumstances (e.g., relocation, health concerns), you can apply to modify the agreement.
What is supervised access?
Supervised access may be ordered when there are safety concerns or trust issues, ensuring the child’s well-being during visits.
What is joint custody vs. sole custody?
Joint custody means both parents share decision-making responsibilities for the child. Sole custody means only one parent makes those decisions, though the other may still have access.
If my child lives with my ex, do I lose custody rights?
Not necessarily. Physical custody and decision-making are different. Even if the child primarily resides with one parent, the other can still share legal custody.
What if my spouse refuses to let me see my child?
You can seek a court order to enforce access. Denying access without a valid legal reason may harm the other parent's custody case.
Can grandparents apply for access to grandchildren?
Yes, in some cases. The court will always consider the best interests of the child when deciding.