Clear advice about the decisions affecting your children

Where your children will live, how time is shared and who makes important decisions can be the hardest questions in a separation. You may be working out a first parenting schedule, reviewing a proposal or facing a disagreement about an existing arrangement.

Thomas J. MacLennan helps parents understand their options, negotiate practical terms and resolve disputes through court where necessary. He has practised law in Ontario since 1989. You work directly with Thomas.

Request a consultation or call 416-591-1354.

Understand parenting time and decision-making responsibility

You may know these issues as custody and access. The current terms are decision-making responsibility and parenting time. Parenting arrangements focus on the child’s best interests, including their safety, needs and circumstances.

Decision-making responsibility concerns significant decisions about a child’s life, such as health and education. Parenting time concerns the time a child spends in a parent’s care. Understanding both helps you assess what a proposed agreement or order would mean for your family.

Make the arrangements practical

A workable parenting plan needs to address everyday life as well as the overall schedule. Thomas can help you consider:

• Regular parenting time, holidays and school breaks.
• School and health decisions.
• Exchanges, travel and communication between parents.
• How disagreements will be addressed.
• Changes to an existing agreement or order.

He can advise you before responding to a proposal, help negotiate an agreement and represent you when parenting issues remain disputed. Parenting terms may also form part of a separation agreement.

Relocation and international issues

A proposed move with a child can affect existing arrangements and raise difficult questions. Thomas advises and represents parents in relocation disputes.

He also assists with Hague Convention matters involving applications for the return of children alleged to have been wrongfully removed or retained across international borders.

If your concern involves safety, a proposed move or an international issue, explain this when contacting the office. Tell the office about any court date or deadline so it can be considered when arranging your consultation.

Preparing for your consultation

Have any parenting agreement or order, proposed schedule and relevant court documents available. Explain the current arrangements, what is working and what needs to change. Make a note of your main questions and concerns.

Arrange a consultation

Consultations are one-hour paid meetings with Thomas, available by telephone, Zoom or in person. See consultation details and request an appointment, or call 416-591-1354.