Seeking a Toronto Child Access Lawyer (Parenting Time) for Your Family

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Modern Parenting Arrangements in the GTA

In any family dynamic, children are the priority. When a relationship between parents breaks down, the transition from a single household to two separate lives can be emotionally and logistically overwhelming. Their physical needs are important, but their emotional well-being is equally critical. A child’s relationship with each of their parents nurtures bonds that are vital to their positive social and emotional development. For families navigating these changes, understanding the legal framework is the first step toward stability.


Sterling Law was established in Brampton and focuses on serving the entire Greater Toronto Area (GTA) community. We understand the unique challenges that parents face in our diverse and fast-paced region. Whether you are dealing with a relatively amicable separation or a high-conflict dispute, having a Toronto child access lawyer (Parenting Time) can help you focus on what matters most: the future of your children. The goal of the legal system in Ontario is to ensure that the parent-child relationship remains intact even after the romantic relationship between parents has ended.

The Shift from Access to Parenting Time

In March 2021, significant changes were made to the federal Divorce Act and provincial legislation in Ontario. One of the most notable shifts was the removal of the word "access," which has been replaced by the term "parenting time." This change is more than just a matter of vocabulary; it reflects a fundamental shift in how the law views the role of parents.



Historically, the term "access" often made the parent living outside the children’s home feel like a visitor or a "fun time" parent. The new concept of "parenting time" promotes the idea that both parents continue to play a critical role in their children’s lives long after separation or divorce. A Toronto child access lawyer (Parenting Time) helps parents understand that this time is intended to nurture a balanced and healthy relationship with both guardians.

Key Reasons for the Legislative Change

The update to the language used in family law was designed to achieve several specific goals:

To reduce the "win-loss" mentality associated with older terms like custody and access.

To focus the attention of the court and the parents on the actual needs of the children.

To encourage more collaborative co-parenting arrangements that prioritize the child's routine.

To acknowledge that both parents provide essential emotional and social support.

Why You Need a Toronto Child Access Lawyer (Parenting Time)

Access or parenting time is your children’s right to have time to bond with the parent who lives outside their home. This can be one of the most challenging areas of family life after a separation or divorce. Depending on the reasons for the separation, many complications may arise that require the intervention of a legal professional.


A Toronto child access lawyer (Parenting Time) is essential because parents sometimes use their children to make demands of, or to control, their ex-partners. This creates high tension that often negatively affects the children involved. Our team is experienced in mediating, negotiating, and litigating the how, when, and where of parenting time that frustrates so many parents in the GTA.

The Standard of the Best Interests of the Child

In Ontario, every decision regarding a child is made based on one singular test: the best interests of the child. It is important to clarify a common misconception: parents often think it is their "right" to see their child. Legally, the right belongs to the child to see, know, and bond with their non-residential parent.


When you work with a Toronto child access lawyer (Parenting Time), we help you frame your case around these factors:

  • The child's physical, emotional, and psychological safety.
  • The child's views and preferences, depending on their age and maturity.

Decision-Making Responsibility vs. Parenting Time

One of the most frequent questions we receive at Sterling Law involves the difference between "decision-making responsibility" (formerly known as custody) and "parenting time." It is vital to understand that these are distinct legal concepts, though they often overlap in a parenting plan.

Understanding Decision-Making Responsibility


This refers to a parent’s authority to make major, long-term decisions for the child. A parent with decision-making responsibility has the final say in four primary areas:

  1. Educational decisions, such as school choice or specialized tutoring.
  2. Non-emergency medical decisions, including surgeries or therapy.
  3. Religious decisions and upbringing.
  4. Extracurricular activity decisions that may impact the child’s schedule or finances.


The non-decision-making parent does not have the right to be involved in making these specific choices, even if they have significant parenting time. However, if an emergency arises while the child is in their care, or if the decision-making parent is unavailable, a non-decision-making parent may exercise some restricted authority to ensure the child’s safety.

Understanding Parenting Time


As your Toronto child access lawyer (Parenting Time) will explain, this refers to the child’s right to visit with or be visited by their parents. It is the physical time spent with the child. Parenting time also includes a specific set of rights for the non-residential parent.


Even if they do not have decision-making authority, they generally have the right to inquire about and receive information about the child’s health, education, and welfare. This information can be requested from the other parent or directly from third-party caregivers, such as teachers or doctors.

Handling Difficult Situations and Safety Concerns

Your children’s safety requires thinking about the potential abuse they may be exposed to and considers whether the parenting time is conducive to the child’s positive development. In some cases, there are genuine safety concerns that complicate the traditional parenting schedule.


Where abuse is present or possible, a parent may seek specific directions in a court order for parenting time to enhance their own and the children’s safety. This might include:

Supervised parenting time at a specialized facility

Supervised exchanges at a police station or public location

Requirements that a parent refrains from alcohol or drug use during their time

Sterling Law is here to advocate for your rights and the rights of your children. We provide the support necessary to enable children to thrive emotionally and physically while giving you a sense of security in knowing that you have the support of the legal system.

Navigating the Legal Process in the GTA

From our base in Brampton, we assist families throughout the Greater Toronto Area in finding resolutions that work for their specific schedules. We recognize that the "how, when, and where" of a schedule can be a source of constant friction. Our approach is designed to reduce that friction through clear, enforceable agreements.


Our Methods of Resolution

We use a variety of strategies to help you secure a fair parenting arrangement:

  1. Mediation: Working with a neutral third party to find a mutually agreeable schedule.
  2. Negotiation: Communicating through counsel to reach a settlement without a trial.
  3. Litigation: Representing your interests in court when a fair agreement cannot be reached through other means.

Partnering with a Toronto Child Access Lawyer (Parenting Time)

Securing Your Child’s Right to a Balanced Relationship

The transition to a new family structure is never easy, but it does not have to be a battleground. Understanding that "access" has evolved into "parenting time" is a vital part of acknowledging the ongoing importance of both parents in a child's life. By focusing on the best interests of the child and ensuring their safety and emotional well-being, we can create a foundation for their positive development.

Let Sterling Law Advocate for You

Sterling Law is committed to serving the GTA and Brampton communities with compassionate and thorough legal support. We are here to help you navigate the complexities of the Divorce Act and Ontario’s family laws. Whether you need to establish a new parenting schedule, modify an existing one, or address safety concerns, we provide the advocacy you need to protect your family’s future.


If you are facing challenges regarding your schedule or decision-making authority, contact us to speak with a Toronto child access lawyer (Parenting Time). We are dedicated to giving you a sense of security and ensuring your children have the opportunity to thrive.