Parenting Time in Ontario

Parenting Time in Ontario: What Parents Need to Know

Family Lawyer in Mississauga

In Ontario, parenting time is the legal term used to describe the time a child spends in the care of each parent. If you are going through a separation in Mississauga or the GTA, you may be familiar with the term "access." As of now, Ontario law has officially replaced this with Parenting Time. This shift is not just about words; it’s about moving away from the idea of "winning" time and focusing on the child’s right to have a meaningful relationship with both parents.

At Curyk Law, we help parents in Mississauga, Brampton, and Oakville navigate these rules. Monika Curyk focuses on creating stable, child-centered schedules that protect your rights and your child’s well-being.

1. What Is Parenting Time?

Parenting time sets out when a child is with each parent. During your parenting time, you are responsible for the child’s day-to-day care, including:

• providing meals and a safe place to sleep,
  
• helping with homework and school routines,
  
• taking the child to activities and social events, and
  
• making everyday decisions about the child’s care.
  

Parenting time does not influence who makes major decisions about a child’s life. Important decisions—such as those involving education, health care, and religion—fall under decision-making responsibility, which is a separate legal concept.

There is no presumption of equal sharing of parenting time between parents. While many families choose equal sharing of parenting time, the law does not assume a 50/50 split is always best. Every schedule is tailored to the child's unique needs.

2. Common Parenting Time Arrangements in Ontario

There is no single “standard” parenting schedule. Parenting time arrangements are based on what works best for the child and the parents’ circumstances. Common arrangements seen by Mississauga family lawyers include:

Shared Parenting Time

In shared parenting arrangements, a child spends at least 40% of their time with each parent. These arrangements often work best when parents live close to one another and close to the child’s school and can communicate effectively.

Common shared schedules include:

• 2-2-3 schedule: Two days with one parent, two days with the other, followed by a three-day weekend that alternates.
  
• Week-on/week-off: Each parent has the child for one full week at a time, often suitable for older children.
  

Majority Parenting Time (Primary Residence)

In this arrangement, the child lives with one parent more than 60% of the time. The other parent has scheduled parenting time, which may include:

• alternating weekends, and
  
• mid-week visits to maintain regular contact.
  

Why You Need a Written Parenting Plan

A Parenting Plan is a detailed document that outlines exactly when the child will be with each parent. Ontario courts (including the Brampton Courthouse for Peel Region) increasingly require these plans to be submitted early in the legal process.

A strong plan from Curyk Law covers:

• Holiday Rotations: Specific plans for March Break, summer holidays, and religious observances.
  
• Transportation: Who picks up and drops off the child, and where.
  
• Communication: How parents will talk to each other about the child (e.g., via email or a parenting app).
  

3. How Courts Decide Parenting Time

When parents cannot agree, an Ontario court will determine parenting time based on the child's best interests. Courts consider many factors, including:

• the child’s need for stability and routine,
  
• safety concerns, including family violence, substance abuse, or neglect,
  
• the child’s views and preferences (depending on age and maturity), and
  
• each parent’s ability to support the child’s relationship with the other parent.
  

The child’s well-being, not fairness between parents, is always the only consideration.

4. Special Parenting Time Orders

In some situations, courts may order additional protections, including:

• Supervised parenting time: Used where there are safety concerns. Visits may take place at a Supervised Access Centre or in the presence of a trusted third party.
  
• No parenting time: Ordered only in rare and serious cases where contact would put the child at risk.
  

Key Takeaway on Parenting Time in Ontario

Parenting time reflects a child’s right to have a relationship with both parents, as long as it is safe and appropriate. Parenting time is separate from the decision-making responsibility (major life decisions), but is intertwined with child support (financial obligations).

A parent does not lose parenting time simply because child support has not been paid.

How Curyk Law Can Help

Whether you are negotiating a new parenting schedule or need to change an existing order because your child's needs have changed. Parenting time disputes can be emotionally difficult and legally complex. Monika Curyk and her team can help you understand your rights, negotiate a practical parenting schedule, or represent you in court if necessary—always with your child’s best interests in mind. We focus on resolving disputes through negotiation and mediation to keep your family out of court whenever possible.

Contact a Parenting Time Lawyer in Mississauga

Don't navigate the complexities of the 2026 Family Law Rules alone. We serve clients throughout Mississauga, Brampton, and the wider GTA.

• Address: 3034 Palstan Road, Mississauga, ON
  
• Phone: 289.232.6166
  
• Business Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  

Call Curyk Law today for a consultation to protect your parenting time and your child's future.

Optional SEO Enhancements

SEO Title:
Parenting Time in Ontario | Family Lawyer in Mississauga

Meta Description:
Learn how parenting time works in Ontario. A Mississauga family lawyer explains shared parenting, court decisions, and your rights as a parent.