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Not Seeing Eye-to-Eye?

Dawn S. • Sep 15, 2022

You and your ex may have totally different outlooks and thoughts about life but you have one thing you have to come together about…your kids. You may not like it, but it’s your reality. How you handle your kids while having differing parenting styles will have a big effect on your kids. Chances are you can’t stand your ex, but the love you have for your children must supersede everything about how you feel about your ex. As much as you probably don’t want to think about your ex and why they act the way they do, you’re going to have to. You got together for a reason and now you have kids. Any differences you had may have been part of the attraction that led to your union. Enter the children and eventual split and now you need to work through differences that may includ parenting styles.

The fact of the matter is that the actual separation or divorce is not what effects the children. It’s the parenting and disagreements that happen after the split that the kids can carry with them for a lifetime. If you hate your ex, perhaps talk to a friend, not your kids. Your family doctor can recommend a counsellor for you if you would rather talk to a third party. You really need to find a way to move past your hatred and deal you any lingering resentment.

If you’re finding it really difficult to move forward, the following tips may help:

·        Communicate with the other parent via electronic means so that the kids won’t witness arguing

·        Agree to not discuss subjects that you know will start arguments in front of the children

·        Don’t criticize the other parent to the kids

·        Perhaps have someone you both agree on and trust do the pick-ups and drop-offs4

·        Go into Mediation

·        Use counselling services

Take a check on your own behaviour if you really can’t along with your ex. Are you speaking badly about the other parent to the children? Or if one of you has a new partner, are they respectful to your ex with the kids? You may to keep an ear out to make sure all is well with the new partner and the kids. The same goes with others that have relationships with the children. Everyone needs to remember that kids are just kids and they didn’t ask for their parents not to parent them together and they need stability in their lives.

If you feel the children aren’t being looked after or you are concerned that they are in harm’s way, it may be time to revisit the Divorce/Separation Agreement. Perhaps things like child custody or visitation schedules need to be changed. A change in the Agreement regarding the children could be what needs to take place to have you seeing eye-to-eye with your ex. Talk to the team at Grant- Lee Law if necessary. Keep the legal issues to yourselves. Children don’t need to know about them. Grant-Lee Law will take care of the legalities within your financial means. Angela Grant-Lee and her team will strive to help you find a solution to your co-parenting needs. Reach out to the team online or give them a call at (905) 315-6837. Angela Grant-Lee has a lot of Family Law experience so that you can be available for your children’s well-being.

Grant-Lee Law can be reached by completing their online form or calling 905-315-6837.

Let Us Help You

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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