Your 2024 Guide To Father Visitation Rights (Child Custody Ontario Father Rights)
The laws around child custody in Ontario surrounding a father’s visitation rights to be with his children are one of the most misunderstood areas of divorce. They’re complex and fraught with emotional baggage and long-term consequences for the father and most importantly – to the children.
You know your place is standing with your children. They need you, your love, and your wise counsel and protection. But now that you’re facing a divorce proceeding, you need an ally to ensure your child support and child custody arrangement meets the needs of your family. The kids deserve your presence in their lives, and you won’t settle for an agreement which prevents you from being right there by your children’s side in the future.
We know the twists and turns and complexities that arise during a divorce and child custody battle, and we’re committed to supporting you throughout the entire process.
We specialize in the following solutions:
- Child custody agreements
- Child support arrangements
- Visitation rights for fathers
- Joint custody agreements
- Restraining orders to protect fathers
What Rights Do You Have As A Father When It Comes To Child Custody In Ontario
Every child custody case in Ontario has its own set of constraints and difficulties, but in the main sense of the law, they revolve around a common goal: protecting the best interests of the children involved. They should be assured of their right to the best possible future, while father’s visitation rights are designed to protect you as well.
Ontario Courts always base their decisions on what they feel are the best parameters for the children, and our team of skilled lawyers has proven experience in demonstrating to the courts that your children’s future must include you.
Related: A step-by-step guide for fathers’ full custody
Other Father Visitation Rights FAQs
Once I separate from my spouse, how is custody of my children determined?
Custody of a Child is determined by a court based on the “best interests” of a Child. In the event of a custody dispute, a court must determine which parent is most capable of providing for the health, education and welfare of a Child. Sometimes, the court uses the assistance of a professional (ie. the Office of the Children’s Lawyer, a psychologist, a social worker etc.), in order to determine the “best interests” of a Child.
What is the Office of the Children’s Lawyer?
The Office of the Children’s Lawyer can be appointed by the court to evaluate the custody/access issues in a particular case. The Office of the Children’s Lawyer (“OCL”) must accept the appointment from the court. Once the appointment is accepted, the OCL may assign a Social worker to investigate each parent and determine who can best provide the best interests of the “Child”. In the alternative, if the child is older, the OCL may be appointed as the Child’s lawyer in the proceedings. The OCL would then act as the voice of the Child during the proceedings.
What are the steps to working out a custody agreement?
“Sole custody” of the Child means that the custodial parent can make all major decisions with respect to the health, education and welfare of the Child without consulting the other parent. Although the “Access parent” has the right to obtain all information concerning the health, education and welfare of the Child, he/she would not have the right to make sole decisions with respect to the health, education and welfare of the Child. “Joint custody” of the Child means that both parents equally share in all major decisions with respect to the health, education and welfare of the Child. Both parents must consult with each other prior to making any major decisions with respect to the Child.
How Can A Lawyer Help You With Father Visitation Rights?
There’s one thing sure to drive up the cost and duration of any divorce, and that’s appearing in – and spending time in – divorce court. You do have an option and it doesn’t always have to be that way. In many cases, mediation is an effective, less stressful, and less costly option for dealing with issues surrounding divorce and father’s visitation rights in Ontario.
Working with a child custody lawyer can help you settle complex and taxing divorce and custody issues in a faster and less expensive way. Mediation can save you a costly and publicly emotional courtroom battle. As an added benefit, the fate of your children’s future won’t end up in the hands of a judge. If your case does go to court, working with an experienced family lawyer will protect your rights and give you the best possible chance at a favourable outcome for you and your children.
For more information on Father Visitation Rights in Ontario, contact Fine & Associates for a free consultation.