Parenting Time (Access)
Did you know? The term “access” is now referred to as parenting time, which better reflects the meaning of the word
Parenting time refers to the time the child gets to spend with each parent
What Is Parenting Time?
In Ontario, Parenting Time, formerly known as access, refers to the time a child spends with each parent after a separation or divorce. Parenting time focuses on maintaining a strong relationship between the child and both parents, while ensuring that the child’s best interests are always the priority.
Parenting Time arrangements can include:
- Regular schedules: Day‑to‑day visits or shared weekly schedules
- Holidays and vacations: Plans for school breaks, special occasions, and holidays
- Special considerations: Transportation, pickups and drop‑offs, and communication between visits
- Supervised parenting time: If necessary, when the court believes supervision is in the child’s best interest
Parenting time is separate from decision‑making responsibility (custody). Even if one parent has sole decision‑making responsibility, the other parent often has the right to meaningful parenting time, unless it would put the child’s safety or well‑being at risk.
At Mahin Law, we help parents create fair and practical parenting plans that prioritize the child’s needs, minimize conflict, and provide clarity for both parents moving forward.
Disclaimer:
The content on Mahin Law’s website is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please contact a lawyer for legal advice. At Mahin Law, we are here to provide you with the professional legal representation you need to navigate your Family Law matters effectively. Click here to read our full disclaimer.