Child Custody Strategy Wizard
Custody and parenting decisions in Ontario are based on the best interests of the child — not on assumptions. This wizard walks through your parenting history, current arrangement, and any risk factors to give you a personalized strategy checklist before you speak with a lawyer.
Your Children & Current Arrangement
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Ontario still use the terms "custody" and "access"?
No. Since 2021, Ontario and federal law use "decision-making responsibility" (who makes major decisions about health, education, and religion) and "parenting time" (the schedule of when a child is in each parent's care) instead of "custody" and "access."
Does this wizard predict who will get custody?
No. This tool identifies the factors relevant to your specific situation and helps you organize evidence and next steps — it does not predict a court outcome. Custody and parenting decisions are highly fact-specific and depend on evidence a short questionnaire cannot capture.
What is considered in the "best interests of the child" test?
Courts weigh the child's relationships with each parent, each parent's ability to meet the child's needs, the child's own views (based on age and maturity), any history of family violence, and each parent's willingness to support the child's relationship with the other parent, among other factors.
Can I relocate with my children?
It depends on your current arrangement and the reasons for the move. Ontario's Divorce Act requires written notice of at least 60 days before relocating with a child, and courts weigh factors including the reasons for the move, the impact on the child's relationship with the other parent, and whether an existing order addresses relocation.
What if the other parent and I can't communicate at all?
A parallel parenting arrangement — where each parent makes day-to-day decisions during their own parenting time, with minimal required communication — is often used in high-conflict situations where regular co-parenting communication isn't realistic.
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