Protecting Your Children's Future with Compassion & Expertise
When your family is in transition, your children need stability, security, and parents who can co-parent effectively. We help you create sustainable parenting arrangements that prioritize their well-being above all else.
Decision-making responsibility & parenting time under current Ontario law
2-2-3, week-on/week-off, and custom arrangements that work
Deepa's family background brings unique empathy to every case
In Ontario, the legal terms have changed. 'Custody' is now called Decision-Making Responsibility (the right to make major choices about health, education, and religion). 'Access' is now called Parenting Time (the schedule). You can have Joint Decision-Making even if the child lives primarily with one parent. All decisions are based strictly on the Best Interests of the Child.
Editor's Note: Legal advice on this page was reviewed by Deepa Tailor, Principal Lawyer, in November 2025 to ensure compliance with current Ontario Family Law Act standards.
Ontario family law has evolved. The term "custody" is outdated. Today, we focus on what truly matters: your children's well-being through clear, modern terminology.
(Formerly "Custody")
This refers to who has the authority to make significant decisions about your child's life. Under the Children's Law Reform Act, these decisions include:
Joint vs. Sole: Decision-making can be shared (joint) or assigned to one parent (sole). We help determine what's best for your family's unique situation.
(Formerly "Access" or "Visitation")
This refers to the actual time each parent spends with the children. It's about creating a realistic, sustainable schedule that serves your children's needs while respecting both parents' lives.
The Goal: A parenting schedule that minimizes disruption to your children's routines while ensuring meaningful time with both parents.
These changes reflect a shift toward child-centered language that emphasizes parental responsibilities rather than ownership or control.
Child custody cases often involve specialized processes and third-party professionals. Here's how we guide you through each one.
Determining who makes major decisions about education, healthcare, and religion—whether joint or sole.
Crafting realistic, child-centered schedules that balance stability with both parents' involvement.
Presenting evidence on the child's emotional, physical, and developmental needs to the court.
In complex cases, we may request the involvement of the Office of the Children's Lawyer (OCL) or a Section 30 Assessment to provide an independent clinical evaluation of the child's needs.
There's no one-size-fits-all solution. We help you design a schedule that fits your children's ages, your work commitments, and your family's unique dynamics.
Children alternate between parents every 2-3 days
Pattern: Mon-Tue (Parent A) → Wed-Thu (Parent B) → Fri-Sun (Parent A) → Repeat
Best For:
Young children who need frequent contact with both parents
Advantages
Considerations
Children spend one full week with each parent
Pattern: Week 1 (Parent A) → Week 2 (Parent B) → Repeat
Best For:
Older children with established routines and school commitments
Advantages
Considerations
Children spend 5 days with one parent, then alternate 2-day periods
Pattern: Mon-Fri (Parent A) → Sat-Sun (Parent B) → Mon-Tue (Parent B) → Wed-Sun (Parent A)
Best For:
Families where one parent has weekday work flexibility
Advantages
Considerations
Children live primarily with one parent, visit the other on extended weekends
Pattern: Primary residence with Parent A → Fri-Mon with Parent B every other week
Best For:
Situations where equal time isn't feasible due to distance or work schedules
Advantages
Considerations
These are just starting points. We often create hybrid schedules that combine elements from different models, accounting for school calendars, work shifts, extracurricular activities, and your children's preferences. The goal is always the same: stability, predictability, and meaningful time with both parents.
From first consultation to final order, we guide you through every step with clarity and compassion.
We listen to your story, assess your situation, and explain your options under Ontario law.
We create a customized plan—whether that means negotiation, mediation, or court preparation.
We prepare all necessary court documents, including detailed parenting plans and sworn affidavits.
We work toward an agreement through collaborative discussions or formal mediation.
If settlement isn't possible, we advocate fiercely for you in Superior Court.
We secure a court order or separation agreement that protects your rights and provides clarity for the future.
Coming from a family of divorce herself, Deepa brings a rare depth of empathy to every custody case. She knows firsthand what it's like to navigate family transitions as a child—and that lived experience shapes every strategy, every conversation, and every decision.
She's walked this path. She understands the emotional weight of custody disputes from a child's perspective.
Every strategy prioritizes your children's well-being—not just winning, but creating sustainable solutions.
Osgoode Hall graduate with 20+ years of experience in Peel Region family courts.
"The legal process should never overshadow the well-being of the children involved. That's not just my professional philosophy—it's personal."
Clear answers to the most pressing custody questions.
Still have questions?
View Full FAQ LibrarySchedule a confidential consultation with Deepa Tailor. We'll listen to your story and provide clear guidance on your next steps.
All consultations are confidential and protected by solicitor-client privilege.
Or call us directly: (905) 366-0202