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Custody and access lawyer in Mississauga

Your children are your priority. Lawcrest helps parents across Mississauga and the GTA create fair parenting arrangements, protect their relationship with their children and resolve disputes about decision-making and parenting time, with calm guidance and strong advocacy when it is needed.

Book a consultation Call 416-830-3369

Confidential and privilegedPlain-language adviceFees discussed upfrontMississauga office

Children come first

Courts focus on what is best for the child. Early, calm planning usually leads to better outcomes for children and for parents.

416-830-3369

Parenting after separation

Ontario law no longer uses the words custody and access in the same way. Today, the focus is on decision-making responsibility, which is who makes major decisions about the child, and parenting time, which is when the child is with each parent.

Many families agree on a parenting plan without going to court. When parents cannot agree, a judge decides based on the best interests of the child.

We help you understand your options, plan a schedule that works for your child, and protect your rights as a parent.

Separating parentsCreating a first parenting plan.
Parents with an existing orderChanging or enforcing it.
Grandparents and othersSeeking contact with a child.

How we help

If your situation is not listed, call us. We will tell you plainly how we can help.

Parenting plans

Clear written plans for schedules, holidays, decisions and communication.

Decision-making responsibility

Who decides about health, education, religion and other major matters.

Parenting time schedules

Regular, holiday and summer schedules that suit your child.

Relocation and moving

Moving with a child, or opposing a move, including required notice.

Enforcement

Steps when the other parent is not following an order.

Changing an order

Applying to change an order after a significant change in circumstances.

Safety-based arrangements

Supervised parenting time and protections where there are safety concerns.

Grandparents and other family

Seeking or responding to requests for contact with a child.

When should you speak to a lawyer?

Early advice helps you protect your children and your position. Contact us if any of these sound familiar.

You are separating and have childrenPlan the parenting arrangements early.
The other parent wants to change the scheduleKnow your rights before you respond.
One parent wants to move away with the childNotice and consent rules apply.
The other parent is not following the orderEnforcement options are available.
You have safety concernsUrgent protection may be possible.
You received court papersDeadlines to respond can be short.

What courts consider: the best interests of the child

The law requires the court to focus only on the best interests of the child. These are some of the main factors.

The child needsPhysical, emotional and psychological needs, including stability.
The child relationshipsWith each parent, siblings, grandparents and others.
Each parent ability and willingnessTo care for the child and to support the child relationship with the other parent.
The child views and preferencesConsidered according to age and maturity.
Family violenceIts impact on the child and on a parent ability to care for the child.
The child culture, language and heritageIncluding Indigenous heritage where it applies.

Ways to resolve parenting issues

There is more than one path. We explain each, including the likely time and cost, so you can choose with confidence.

Parenting planWritten and flexible

You and the other parent agree on schedules, decisions and communication. A written plan reduces conflict and can be turned into a court order.

NegotiationLawyer-assisted

Lawyers help the parents work toward agreement, keeping the child interests at the centre.

MediationA neutral helps you agree

A mediator helps the parents reach a voluntary agreement. It is confidential and usually less stressful than court.

Court orderWhen agreement is not possible

A judge makes a parenting order based on the best interests of the child. We prepare your case and represent you.

The voice of the childIn some cases

Where appropriate, the child views can be heard, for example through a professional report or an assessment.

How we work with you

A clear process, with no surprises about where your matter stands.

Consultation

You tell us about your family and your concerns. We listen, ask the right questions and explain your rights.

Understand your child needs

We help you think through routines, school, health, work schedules and what works for your child.

Plan the approach

We recommend the best route, whether a parenting plan, mediation or court.

Negotiate

We work to reach a practical agreement with the other parent.

Agreement or court

We prepare a parenting agreement or start a court case, depending on what is needed.

Follow-through

We help you put the order or plan in place and adjust it as your child grows.

If a child is in danger

If a child is in immediate danger, call 911. If you are worried about abuse, neglect or abduction, contact us right away. Urgent court steps may be available.

Where the other parent is withholding a child, threatening to leave the country or ignoring an order, quick action matters. Bring any orders and messages you have.

How we price our work

We discuss costs at the start, so you can plan and decide with confidence.

Initial adviceFirst step

A clear explanation of your rights and the options for your parenting arrangements.

Parenting plan or agreementNegotiated settlement

Negotiating and preparing a parenting agreement that fits your child.

Mediation supportAlongside the process

Preparation for mediation and review of any agreement reached.

Court proceedingsIf agreement is not possible

Applications, motions and trial, with representation at each stage.

Changing or enforcing an orderLater steps

Applications to change a parenting order, or to enforce one that is not being followed.

What to bring to your consultation

Do not worry if you do not have everything. Bring what you can, and we will tell you what else is useful.

Government-issued photo ID
Any existing court orders or parenting agreements
Your children names, ages, schools and daily schedules
Your work schedule and living arrangements
Messages or records relevant to the issue
Any court papers you have received

Why clients choose Lawcrest

You are trusting us at an important and personal time. This is how we earn that trust.

Plain-language advice

No jargon. You understand each step and each choice before we act.

Cost clarity

We discuss our fees at the start so you can plan with full information.

Child-focused

We keep your child needs at the centre of every recommendation.

Confidential

What you tell us is protected by solicitor-client privilege.

Responsive

Your questions get answers, and you hear from us as your matter moves.

Practical approach

We look for the quickest route to a fair, workable result, and we do not escalate for its own sake.

Regulated lawyers

Lawcrest is a professional corporation regulated by the Law Society of Ontario.

Local and accessible

Meet us at our Matheson Blvd office in Mississauga, or arrange a call.

Frequently asked questions

Still not sure? Call 416-830-3369 and we will talk it through.

What happened to the word custody?

Ontario law now speaks of decision-making responsibility and parenting time. Many people still say custody and access, and we use plain language to explain what the new terms mean for you.

How is parenting time decided?

By agreement if possible. If not, a judge decides what is best for the child, considering factors such as the child needs, relationships and safety, and each parent ability to support the child.

Can I move with my child?

Not without following the rules. Notice is generally required, and the other parent may object. The court looks at what is best for the child. Get advice before you plan a move.

What if the other parent is not following the order?

There are ways to enforce an order, from raising the issue to bring a motion to the court. We review the order and your options.

Can an order be changed?

Yes, if there has been a material change in circumstances affecting the child. We explain what counts and how to apply.

Do children get to decide?

Children views are considered according to age and maturity, but a child does not make the decision. The court decides based on the child best interests.

Do grandparents have rights?

Grandparents and others may apply for contact with a child in some situations. The court focuses on the child best interests.

Is my information confidential?

Yes. Your communications with us are protected by solicitor-client privilege.

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