Complimentary Consultation
Contact Us: 416-964-2215
BAKER & BAKER
Family Lawyers
During your thirty minute complimentary consultation you will receive a free copy of the Ontario Divorce Handbook by Donald S. Baker, LL.B.
We ensure that all your questions are answered.
Child Custody and Access
When parents divorce they must make decisions about where their child will live, how much time each parent will spend with their child and how they will make decisions about their child's education, medical attention, religion and upbringing. Child custody is the most important decision you will be faced with.
Baker & Baker are dedicated to representing the best interests of the family during divorce and child custody matters. Consideration for all parties in negotiations is our principal priority and where children are involved we promote the cooperation between parents to make certain the most favourable outcome for your child’s wellbeing is achieved.
Upon separation each parent is entitled to a joint child custody arrangement. In the case of a child custody dispute, a judge will often ask for an assessment by a professional social worker agreed to by you and your spouse, or appointed by the court. The assessor interviews both parents and extended family members to determine the best living arrangement for the child(ren) and takes into consideration the following:
Their assessment report is submitted with a recommendation as to who should be the custodial parent and when the children should reside with their respective parents.
Joint Custody
Parents who have joint custody share the rights and responsibilities of decision making for the child(ren). Joint custody requires co-operation between parties. Courts are hesitant to order joint custody if the parents have an adversarial relationship.
Shared Custody
When a child spends at least 40% of their time with the parent who has access, the parent has shared custody for the purpose of determining child support.
Sole Custody
Children live with the custodial parent for the majority of time. The custodial parent has the legal right to make all the major decisions in regards to the child's upbringing including education, religion, medical treatment and childcare.
Access
A parent who is granted access has the right to request and receive information relating to their child, as to the health, education and wellbeing of the child. Non-custodial parents are entitled to spend time with their children during the week, on weekends and during the school holidays