“Custody” and “access” are old terms that have now been replaced by “decision making” and “parenting” with the new Divorce Act, which came into effect March 1, 2021. Major decisions can include those related to medical treatment, education, and religion of a child. There are different types of decision making: sole, joint, or a combination. Sole decision making means one parent is responsible for making the major decisions for the child. Joint decision making means both parents equally participate in the major decision making. Sometimes, there can be a combination of decision making, where one parent may decide some issues, the other parent may decide other issues, and then both parents decide some issues together.

When we look at parenting time, our goal is to work with parents to create a parenting plan that will reflect the unique needs and circumstances of the children and the family. This might mean the child ordinarily resides with one parent, and the other parent has parenting time. It can also mean that the child spends time equally with each parent. What works for one family, doesn’t always work for another. Let us help you develop a detailed parenting plan that works for everyone, but most importantly, your children. It is important to note that the amount of time that your child spends with you and with the other parent is a factor in determining child support. This is an important consideration with serious and lasting impacts.

Children can also have “contact” with people who are not their guardians, but are still important people in their lives. Sometimes when parents are in significant dispute, this can have ramifications for the extended family. This can impact grandparents, aunts and uncles, among others. If you need help having contact with a child in your life, please contact us.

Contact us online or call us today at 587-943-1394 and we can help you work out a plan, or go over the agreement you’ve already reached, and help you understand what the result may be, in plain language.