Parenting & Children Insights
Separating with children usually means working through two related questions: a day-to-day schedule, and who has a say over the bigger decisions in a child's life. This collection brings together plain-language guides on parenting time and decision-making responsibility, creating a parenting plan, the best interests of the child test, and other common questions parents face — organized so you can find the guide closest to your own situation without wading through a full legal reference first.
All Parenting & Children Insights
Choose the guide closest to your question.
Parenting Time and Decision-Making Responsibility in Ontario
A plain-language overview of both concepts, how they relate, and how parents can generally work them out.
Parenting & ChildrenWhat Is the Best Interests of the Child Test in Ontario?
A plain-language look at the test that generally guides parenting decisions in Ontario.
Parenting & ChildrenWhat to Do If the Other Parent Denies Parenting Time
General options to consider if scheduled parenting time isn't being honoured.
Parenting & ChildrenCan a Child Choose Which Parent to Live With?
A general look at how a child's own views can factor into parenting arrangements.
Parenting & ChildrenCreating a Parenting Plan in Ontario
What a parenting plan generally covers, and how parents typically approach drafting one.
Parenting & ChildrenCan You Move Away With Your Child After Separation?
A general look at what's generally involved in relocating with a child after separating.
Parenting & ChildrenWhat Is a Parallel Parenting Plan?
A general look at parallel parenting — an arrangement built for families where conflict, not goodwill, is the main obstacle to sharing decisions.
Parenting & ChildrenCo-Parenting vs. Parallel Parenting: What's the Difference?
Two different models for the same goal: raising children well after separation. A general comparison of co-parenting and parallel parenting.
Parenting & ChildrenLong-Distance Parenting Time Schedules
A general look at how parenting time can work when parents live a significant distance apart — within Ontario, or farther.
Parenting & ChildrenHoliday and Vacation Parenting Time: How It Generally Works
A general look at how holidays, school breaks and vacation time are generally handled in an Ontario parenting plan.
Parenting & ChildrenWhat Is a Parenting Coordinator in Ontario?
A general introduction to parenting coordination — a hands-on, ongoing way to resolve the small disputes that a parenting plan can't fully anticipate.
Parenting & ChildrenCan a Teenager Refuse to See a Parent in Ontario?
A general look at what happens, practically and legally, when a teenager is refusing to spend time with a parent under an existing arrangement.
Parenting & ChildrenWhat Happens If a Parent Doesn't Follow the Parenting Plan?
A general overview of what's generally involved when a parenting plan isn't being followed — beyond just missed parenting time.
Parenting & ChildrenWhat Is "Right of First Refusal" in a Parenting Plan?
A general explanation of right of first refusal — a common optional clause that gives each parent first opportunity for extra time with their child.
Parenting & ChildrenIs Virtual Parenting Time Enforceable?
A general look at how video calls and other virtual contact generally fit into, and get enforced within, a parenting arrangement.
Parenting & ChildrenHow Domestic Violence Can Affect Parenting Time and Decision-Making
A general, careful look at how a history of family violence is generally factored into parenting time and decision-making arrangements in Ontario.
Frequently Asked Questions
General questions about parenting and children topics as a whole. For anything specific, see the individual guides above.
Where should I start if I'm new to parenting issues after separation?
Many people start with a plain-language overview of parenting time and decision-making responsibility, since most other parenting questions build on those two ideas. From there, a guide to creating a parenting plan or to the best interests of the child test can help fill in the picture.
Do parenting arrangements have to be decided by a judge?
No. Most parents work out parenting time and decision-making responsibility through direct conversation, a written parenting plan, or mediation. Family court is generally treated as a last resort, for situations that can't be resolved another way.
What legal standard applies to parenting decisions in Ontario?
The best interests of the child is generally treated as the central legal standard, whether parents agree between themselves, negotiate through mediation, or ask a court to decide. It focuses on the specific child's needs, relationships, stability, and safety.
What if the other parent isn't following our parenting arrangement, or there's a safety concern?
These situations depend heavily on the specific facts, and safety concerns should be treated as urgent. See our Urgent Help & Safety page and our guide on denied parenting time, and consider speaking with a qualified professional about your situation.
Related Topics
Separation & Divorce Insights
Plain-language guides on the practical and legal steps of separating and divorcing.
Read moreSupport Insights
Plain-language guides on child and spousal support, which often connect to parenting arrangements.
Read moreFamily Court Insights
Plain-language guides on what going to family court generally involves.
Read moreTools & Calculators
Free calculators and guided wizards, including a parenting plan builder.
Read moreFamily-Law Glossary
Plain-language definitions of common family-law terms used throughout this site.
Read moreOfficial Resources
General government and public-interest resources on parenting after separation, verified September 20, 2026. This hub is not a substitute for reading them directly or for professional advice about your situation.
- Parenting Time, Decision-Making Responsibility and Contact — Ontario.ca Government of Ontario overview of the core legal concepts covered throughout this hub.
- Parenting Arrangements After Divorce or Separation — Department of Justice Canada Federal overview of how parenting time and decision-making responsibility are generally addressed.
- Parenting and Child Support — Steps to Justice A collection of plain-language, community-legal-education resources on parenting topics in Ontario.
- Family Law Publications — CLEO (Community Legal Education Ontario) Plain-language publications on family law topics, including parenting after separation.
Family Law in Ontario is not affiliated with any of the organizations listed above. Government resources and public-interest guidance can change — always confirm current details directly with the source before relying on them.
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