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Finalizing Your Parenting Plan is a Must After Separation or Divorce

Dorcus Srivaram • Dec 05, 2023

Breaking up or divorcing can be tough, especially if you have kids. After deciding to separate, finalizing your parenting plan is important. A parenting plan is a legal document. It explains how you and your ex-partner will share custody. It also explains how you will prioritize your children's well-being.

Grant lee Parenting plan

Guide to the Best Parenting Plan

This blog post will discuss the importance of completing your parenting plan after separating or divorcing. It will also guide how to accomplish this task.



Co-Parenting Structure:

The biggest advantage of having a parenting plan is that it provides a clear understanding of co-parenting. It defines the specific responsibilities and expectations of each parent. Both parents are aware of how the children will be raised. 

This includes details such as who will take them to the doctor and where they will go on holiday. I also set out a plan for dealing with conflicts that may arise.


Financial Expenditure:

Parenting plans can help parents divide their financial expenditure to best support their children. This includes setting out which parent will pay for what expenses, such as medical bills or school tuition. It also includes how the costs of raising the children will be divided between both parents.


Future Adjustments:

Having a parenting plan in place allows for easy adjustments to evolve changes in each person’s life circumstances. The plan can be updated if there are changes due to a new job or moving. This ensures that everyone is in agreement and moving forward together.


Legal Advice:

Having a contract prevents confusion and conflict between co-parents by clarifying arrangements and avoiding mixed messages. It helps create stability for your children. Changes to family dynamics can be stressful and unsettling for children. However, having a solid parenting plan in place can provide structure and routine that helps to create stability. 


Minimize the Impact of Separation:

It is important to lessen the impact of separation on your children. A well-crafted parenting plan can help to alleviate some worries and questions that may arise during this time. This involves setting rules for parents, making a plan for visits, and agreeing on how to resolve conflicts. When making a parenting plan, consider all care aspects, such as physical and emotional needs.


Finalizing your parenting plan should be a priority when it comes to separation or divorce. Let the team at Grant Lee Law help. When emotions are strong, it can be difficult to agree on arrangements. Working with a family lawyer like Angela Grant-Lee is important for creating a strong document that benefits everyone. 

A good parenting plan reduces fights and helps kids by providing a sense of security and stability. It should address all aspects of parenting, from day-to-day decisions to major events like holidays and vacations. Grant Lee Law offers the tools to make a personalized agreement for your special family situation. 

Angela Grant-Lee helps families with parenting plans. Trust her for advice on creating a successful plan. Grant Lee Law offers the tools to make a personalized agreement for your special family situation. By ensuring it's suitable for all, you can guarantee your kids' well-being now, in the future, and always.  Let us help you create a great co-parenting relationship today! 

 Grant Lee Law…(905) 315-6837

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By Chelsey Smith • 09 Apr, 2024
Family law covers a broad range of legal issues, most of which are intimately connected with the relationships and interactions within a family. A proficient family law firm can provide indispensable guidance and representation in various situations such as:

Can I Change my Separation Agreement?

By Chelsey Smith • 01 Apr, 2024
In Ontario, modifying a separation agreement can be feasible but requires mutual consent from both parties involved. It's fundamental to understand that once a separation agreement is signed, it becomes a legally binding contract. Therefore, any changes or adjustments require careful negotiation and agreement from both spouses. Typically, this involves revisiting the terms and seeking legal counsel to ensure that any amendments are legally valid and reflect the current intentions and circumstances of both parties. If circumstances have significantly changed since the original agreement was made, such as changes in income, marital status, or living arrangements, these changes may provide a basis for revising the agreement. It’s crucial for both parties to openly discuss their current situations and come to a mutual understanding before proceeding with any legal modifications. Documentation supporting the changes, such as financial statements or evidence of a change in living circumstances, should be prepared to facilitate the process. Engaging in mediation may also be a helpful step towards reaching an agreement, as it provides a structured environment for negotiation with the assistance of a neutral third party. Once both parties have reached an agreement on the modifications, it's imperative that these changes are formalized in writing. This typically involves drafting a new document or an amendment to the original separation agreement that outlines the agreed upon adjustments. It’s highly recommended to seek assistance from a family law attorney, like Angela Grant Lee, to ensure the document complies with Ontario’s legal standards and fully captures the intent of both parties. This step is crucial not only for the enforceability of the agreement but also to prevent potential disputes in the future. After finalizing the document, both parties should sign it, preferably in the presence of a witness, to solidify its legal standing. Remember, it’s essential to keep updated copies of this document for your records, as it represents the current terms governing your separation. While it is possible to change a separation agreement in Ontario, it requires careful consideration and mutual consent from both parties. It’s crucial to approach any modifications with transparency, honesty, and proper legal guidance from a Family Law Attorney to be sure the changes accurately reflect the current circumstances and foster a fair resolution for all involved. Remember to keep open communication with your former spouse and seek professional assistance. Angela Grant Lee and her team at Grant Lee Law will help you get the Separation Agreement to suit your needs, call today 905-315-6837!
Child Custody Ontario

How is Child Custody Decided?

By Dawn Sherwin • 09 Feb, 2024
Child custody decisions are often complex and are determined based on the best interests of the child. Courts consider various factors, including the child's age, health, and emotional bonds with each parent, as well as the parents' ability to provide for the child's needs and their willingness to support the child's relationship with the other parent. The child's own wishes may also be taken into account if they are of sufficient age and maturity. The goal is to ensure a stable, loving, and safe environment for the child. In many cases, family courts prefer to award joint custody, which enables the child to maintain strong relationships with both parents post-divorce. This arrangement requires parents to work collaboratively in making major decisions affecting the child’s welfare. Nonetheless, sole custody may be determined when it appears to be in the child’s best interest, especially in instances where one parent may be deemed unfit due to reasons including substance abuse, a history of violence, or an inability to provide proper care. Custody evaluations by neutral professionals may play a vital role in the court’s decision, providing insight into the parenting capabilities and the child’s needs. Enlisting the help of Grant Lee Law can be invaluable when navigating the complexities of child custody. A skilled attorney can provide guidance through the legal process, advocate on your behalf, and help ensure that your rights are protected while also prioritizing the best interests of your child. With knowledge of family law and experience in custody cases, a lawyer can help in negotiating custody arrangements and parenting plans, handle court communications, and represent you during mediation sessions or court hearings. It's important to choose an attorney who is not only experienced but also someone you feel comfortable working with, as they will be a critical ally during what can be a challenging period. The primary types of child custody recognized in family law include: Physical Custody: This refers to where the child will live and with which parent. The parent with physical custody provides the day-to-day care for the child. Legal Custody: This involves the rights and responsibilities associated with making major decisions affecting the child's welfare, including choices about education, medical care, and religious upbringing. Sole Custody: Sole custody means one parent has either sole legal custody, sole physical custody, or both. This parent makes important decisions regarding the child's life and is the child's primary caretaker. Joint Custody: Also known as shared custody, this arrangement allows both parents to have significant roles in the child's life. Joint custody can be divided into joint legal custody, joint physical custody, or both, meaning parents share in the day-to-day upbringing and in making significant decisions. Split Custody: This is less common and involves siblings being split up, where one parent has full custody over some children, and the other parent has custody over the remaining siblings. Understanding these distinctions is crucial when seeking a custody arrangement that serves the best interest of the child. If you need help with your child’s custody arrangement know that Grant Lee Law is here to help. Angela Grant-Lee respects your needs and financial situation. Angela Grant-Lee and her invaluable team are a phone call away at 905-315-6837!
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