Long-Distance Co-Parenting in Ontario: How to Make It Work Legally and Practically

Feb 20, 2025

When co-parents live far apart, it can present a unique set of challenges. Whether due to career changes, family obligations, or personal choices, long-distance co-parenting requires thoughtful planning, open communication, and a strong legal framework to ensure the child’s best interests are always supported.

In Ontario, long-distance co-parenting arrangements must align with the federal Divorce Act and the Ontario Family Law Act to ensure fair and enforceable agreements.

As family law lawyers, the Kelly Jordan Family Law team understands the challenges co-parents face. In this post, you will learn how to create a legally sound and practical long-distance co-parenting plan. We share insights into scheduling strategies, legal considerations, financial responsibilities, and ways to maintain a strong parent-child relationship across the distance.

Long-Distance Co-Parenting Arrangements: How They Work

When parents separate or divorce, a parenting plan is needed to determine how responsibilities and parenting time will be shared.

It can get more complicated when one parent moves to another city, province, or even country.

A well-structured long-distance co-parenting plan must address:

Travel logistics
Scheduling
Communication
Financial responsibilities

The Emotional and Logistical Realities Of Co-Parenting

Long-distance co-parenting can be emotionally taxing for both parents and children.

Often, parents feel guilt or frustration about not being physically present. Meanwhile, children might experience sadness or anxiety about missing the absent parent. To ease this, a structured long-distance co-parenting schedule and consistent communication can help maintain strong relationships.

In terms of logistics, frequent travel can be both expensive and time-consuming. This makes it essential for co-parents to establish a practical and sustainable schedule.

Finally, it’s important to note that courts prioritize the child’s stability and well-being, so any plan should take into account factors such as age, education, and financial practicality.

Creating a Long-Distance Co-Parenting Schedule

Creating a long-distance co-parenting schedule is all about finding the right balance. It’s about keeping things stable for your child while making sure the child and non-residential parent still get meaningful time together.

A strict 50/50 split isn’t always realistic, but here are some options that can help keep things consistent:

One extended weekend per month (if travel is feasible)
Week-long visits every two months, depending on the child’s school schedule
All or most major holidays and long weekends allocated to the non-residential parent
Summer and school breaks spent with the non-residential parent

Every family’s situation is different, so staying flexible is important. Courts usually support plans that keep disruptions to a child’s routine to a minimum while making sure they stay connected with both parents.

Legal Considerations: Ontario’s Family Law Framework

In Ontario, the Family Law Act and the Divorce Act play a role in guiding decisions about relocation and long-distance parenting.

Parental Relocation and Mobility Considerations

If a parent plans to move with a child, they need to give the other parent at least 60 days’ written notice, according to the Divorce Act. The notice should include the new location and any suggested changes to the parenting plan and allocation of decision-making responsibilities, if appropriate. If the other parent disagrees, they can take the matter to court where a judge will decide if the move is in the best interests of the child.

Factors influencing the court’s decision include:

The child’s relationship with both parents
The current parenting schedule, if any
The reason for relocation
The feasibility of maintaining a strong relationship with the non-moving parent
The impact on the child’s well-being and stability
The moving parent’s plan for the child in the new location

A family law lawyer can help parents navigate this complex process and ensure that legal obligations are met.

Addressing Travel and Financial Responsibilities

Travel logistics can be a significant hurdle in long-distance co-parenting. Key considerations include:

Who covers travel costs? Parents may split expenses or allocate responsibility based on financial capacity.
Mode of transportation: If children are flying, are they old enough to travel alone, or will they require an escort?
Pick-up and drop-off locations: Agreements should specify in which parent’s location parenting time will take place, and where and when exchanges occur to prevent misunderstandings.

Some co-parents choose financial arrangements where one parent takes care of transportation costs in exchange for reduced child support payments. Getting legal advice can help make sure these agreements are fair for everyone involved.

Maintaining Parent-Child Communication

Physical distance doesn’t have to create emotional distance. Courts often encourage virtual communication to help stay connected. A clear plan can include:

Scheduled video calls (e.g., FaceTime or Zoom)
Unrestricted text and email communication
Virtual bedtime stories or homework help sessions
Live streaming of school events or extracurricular activities

To prevent conflict, co-parents should establish clear guidelines, including set times for calls and rules about interruptions during parenting time.

Technology for Effective Co-Parenting

Co-parenting apps like OurFamilyWizard, 2Houses, and Cozi can be incredibly helpful for managing schedules, sharing important documents, and tracking expenses.

Using these tools can reduce misunderstandings and make communication easier so both parents stay aligned and informed of important events and updates. With these apps, you can keep everything organized, minimize conflicts, and create a more straightforward co-parenting experience for everyone involved.

Changing and Updating Parenting Plans Over Time

As children grow, their needs and preferences often change. A long-distance co-parenting arrangement that worked for a toddler may not be suitable for a teenager. Courts allow updates to parenting plans if there is a significant change in circumstances in the needs of the children or parents.

Ideally, parents should revisit their agreement periodically and, if necessary, seek legal advice from a family law lawyer to make appropriate changes.

Getting Help From A Top Family Lawyer In Toronto

Whether you are creating a long-distance co-parenting agreement for the first time or need to update one, working with a top family lawyer in Toronto, like Kelly D. Jordan and her team, gives you the legal support you need.

Contact us online or call our Toronto offices at 416-849-5501 to schedule a consultation. Let us provide you with the guidance and representation you need.