Can I Move with My Child After Separation?
It’s one of the questions I hear most often from separated parents: “I want to move…. Can I take my child with me?” The honest answer is: It depends. And the rules are more nuanced than most people expect. In Ontario, the relocation of a child after the parents separate is governed primarily by the federal Divorce Act, which was significantly amended in 2021 to deal specifically...
Relocation and Family Law: What Happens When a Parent Wants to Move with Their Child?
Introduction Few issues in family law can be as emotionally charged and impactful as relocation. If you are a separated or divorce parent, and you need or want to move with your child to a new location, it can deeply affect everyone involved – especially the child him or herself. Regardless of whether it’s due to career advancement, family needs, or personal safety, the need to relocate can...
Can I Move with My Child After Separation?
It’s one of the questions I hear most often from separated parents: “I want to move…. Can I take my child with me?” The honest answer is: It depends. And the rules are more nuanced than most people expect. In Ontario, the relocation of a child after the parents separate is governed primarily by the federal Divorce Act, which was significantly amended in 2021 to deal specifically with...
How to Handle Summer Custody Schedules Without Conflict
Springtime is finally here, and summer is just around the corner. It’s the time of year that children most look forward to, but for separated and divorced parents, it can be one of the most challenging times to handle summer custody schedules without conflict. That’s because there are often changes to routine, a greater need for childcare, and competing plans for vacation – all of it packed...
Ontario Family Law: What Are the Rights of a Divorcing Dad?
It’s a longstanding pre-conception: When it comes to parenting arrangements involving kids, the Canadian legal system favours the mother. And perhaps this was the case decades ago. But unlike many persistent stereotypes, under the modern-day legal system, this is simply not true. In fact, Ontario family law does not grant automatic preference to either parent. Instead, the focus is always on...
Handling Holiday Parenting Time Disputes with Care
Ahh, the holidays. A time of joy, family traditions, and meaningful celebrations. But if you’re a separated or divorced parent, the holiday parenting can be a flashpoint. There may be disagreements over where the children will spend Christmas morning or Hannukah. Disputes over how the children’s time will be divided during their winter break from school. Conflict over who will arrange and...
How Narcissistic Behaviour Affects Parenting Time and Decision-Making in Ontario
Narcissistic behaviour affects parenting decisions and learn strategies to safeguard your child’s best interests today. Co-parenting after separation is rarely easy. But if your child’s other parent consistently displays narcissistic traits, it can be exponentially worse than a typical break-up. Of course “narcissism” is not a legal term – but it’s used to refer to one category of parent who...
How Narcissistic Behaviour Affects Parenting Time and Decision-Making in Ontario
Co-parenting after separation is rarely easy. But if your child’s other parent consistently displays narcissistic traits, it can be exponentially worse than a typical break-up. Of course “narcissism” is not a legal term – but it’s used to refer to one category of parent who engages in high-conflict behaviour that makes it difficult to resolve separation and divorce issues, and often has a...
Dealing with a Narcissistic Ex During Battles Over Your Child
Are you separated from or divorcing a narcissistic Ex? If so, you’ll likely know the entire process has been complicated by their manipulation, grandiosity, need for control and lack of empathy. And when you have a child together, the process can be especially toxic and emotionally draining. Under Ontario law, any decisions about your child are governed by one foundational principle: The...