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An Introduction To Parenting Arrangements: The Different Types and How They Work

When a couple gets a divorce or they’re going through the separation process, one of the first major concerns for both parties is always the well-being of their child. There’s no question that with a divorce, there will be changes in a child’s daily or weekly routine. Thankfully, parenting arrangements, also known as parenting plans, can help legally define roles, responsibilities and the division of decision-making in that child’s life.

Here is a comprehensive view of the different parenting arrangements and how they work.

Understanding Your Options

Ontario law acknowledges various parenting arrangements, each offering a unique approach to shared parenting. Depending on your situation, a family law lawyer can help you identify the best parenting arrangement for you and your child.

Sole Decision-Making:  In this arrangement, one parent has primary responsibility for the child’s daily life and the responsibility to make decisions about the child’s wellbeing, medical care, education, religion, and extracurricular activities. The other parent has the right to be consulted on major decisions involving the child, allowing them to maintain a meaningful connection with their child.

Joint Decision-Making:  This arrangement emphasizes shared decision-making responsibility, with both parents working together to make significant decisions regarding the child’s education, healthcare, religion and extracurricular activities. This can be true even if one parent has primary parenting time or physical care of the child, both parents will have to work together and agree on important decisions regarding the child’s care.

Shared Parenting Time:  This arrangement emphasizes a 50/50 split of physical parenting time with the child. This can have various forms including a week-on/week-off schedule, a 2-2-3 schedule or any other way of splitting the time in a way where neither parent has care of the child for more than 40% of the time. This schedule can be with or without joint decision-making responsibility

Primary Parenting Time: This arrangement is where one parent has physical care of the child for more than 60% of the time and the other parent will often have a set parenting schedule in place to see the child, such as alternate weekends with Wednesday evenings. This can take various forms but again can be with or without joint decision-making responsibility.

Nesting: This is rare but can be seen in temporary situations such as where parents are waiting for their home to sell. It involves the child remaining in the family home while the parents take turns being there with the child for their specific parenting time. The other parent may stay with friends/relatives or in rental accommodations, and then the parents switch for the other’s parenting time.

The Importance of Parenting Arrangements

A well-crafted parenting arrangement can provide several benefits for both parents and children. For example, they can provide stability and predictability. A clear and comprehensive parenting plan creates a sense of stability and predictability for the child, helping them adjust to the changes associated with separation or divorce.

Also, arrangements can help reduce conflict and provide certainty for the parties and child. A well-defined arrangement can minimize conflict between parents, allowing them to focus on co-parenting and supporting their child’s well-being. Lastly, having a legal parenting plan on its own or as part of a separation agreement helps make the parental arrangements official and protect everyone involved.

A written arrangement serves as a legal document that outlines the rights and responsibilities of both parents. This can help prevent future disputes and provide a basis for legal recourse if necessary.

Tailoring a Parenting Arrangement to Your Families Needs

Your ideal parenting arrangement is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Arrangements that are sensitive in nature must be tailored to the unique circumstances of each family.

By carefully considering the factors below, parents can create an arrangement that is both practical and beneficial for their child. Several factors should be considered:

The child’s best interests: The paramount consideration lies in ensuring the child’s well-being, emotional security, and stability.

The parents’ wishes: Both parents’ preferences and concerns should be heard and considered, aiming for a solution that feels fair and manageable.

The child’s preferences: Depending on their age and maturity, older children may have a say in their preferred arrangements.

The relationship between parents and child: A strong and positive relationship between each parent and the child is crucial.

Practical considerations: Factors like work schedules, living arrangements, and proximity of residences all come into play when determining a workable plan.

The child’s needs and activities: The child’s age, school schedule, extracurricular activities, and social relationships must be accommodated.

Special events or traditions: It is important that the child can continue to participate in previously enjoyed activities and holiday traditions and to spend time with extended family.

Parenting arrangements are a crucial aspect of separation or divorce. Consulting with a qualified family law lawyer can provide invaluable support.

They can assist you in understanding your legal rights and options and negotiating a parenting plan that prioritizes the child’s best interests by mediating disputes and reaching an amicable solution.

Navigating a separation or divorce can be overwhelming—let Kelly Jordan Family Law guide you through the process

This area of law can be a complex process. It’s essential to seek legal advice from a qualified family law lawyer to understand your rights and options. A lawyer can help you navigate the legal complexities and ensure a fair outcome.

Kelly D. Jordan Family Law is here to assist you with all your family law needs, including matters related to parenting time. Our experienced team of lawyers can provide expert guidance and representation.

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