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Parental Rights Protecting Your Family's Interests for Over 30 Years

Richmond Hill Parental Rights Lawyer

Parental rights are essential to maintaining a meaningful and ongoing relationship with your child, particularly following separation or divorce. Whether you are seeking to establish, enforce, or modify parenting arrangements, having clear legal guidance is critical. A Richmond Hill parental rights lawyer from Feldstein Family Law Group P.C. can help you navigate the complex legal processes involved in asserting and protecting your rights under Ontario law.

Parents seeking a fair and stable role for their children are represented by our firm in a child-focused, strategic manner. We assist with parenting time, decision-making responsibility, relocation disputes, enforcement of court orders, and more—always with a commitment to achieving outcomes that serve the best interests of the child.

To speak with our experienced Richmond Hill parental rights lawyers, call us at (905) 581-7222 or contact us online today. 

Understanding Parental Rights in Ontario

Parental rights encompass the legal authority and responsibilities that parents have in relation to their children. In Ontario, parental rights are governed by the Children’s Law Reform Act and the Divorce Act, depending on the marital status of the parents.

These rights include:

  • Decision-making responsibility for major aspects of the child’s life, such as education, health care, religion, and extracurricular involvement
  • Parenting time, which refers to the time a child spends with each parent
  • The right to participate in the child’s upbringing and be informed of significant matters
  • The right to maintain a consistent and meaningful relationship with the child

The law does not prioritize one parent over another based on gender or marital status. Instead, courts and decision-makers evaluate each case based on the best interests of the child, which is the paramount consideration in any parenting arrangement.

Decision-Making Responsibility

Formerly referred to as custody, decision-making responsibility refers to a parent’s legal authority to make significant decisions on behalf of the child. These decisions typically include:

  • Medical treatment and health care
  • Educational plans and school choices
  • Religious upbringing
  • Participation in extracurricular activities

Parents may share decision-making responsibility (joint responsibility), or one parent may be granted sole responsibility if it is in the child’s best interests. We help parents obtain fair and practical decision-making arrangements and resolve disputes when they arise.

Parenting Time

Parenting time (previously known as access or visitation) refers to the actual time a parent spends with the child. This includes weekday visits, weekends, holidays, school breaks, and other agreed-upon or court-ordered periods.

Parenting time arrangements can vary widely depending on the family’s circumstances, such as work schedules, the child’s school routine, and the level of cooperation between parents. Our lawyers help clients develop customized parenting plans that promote stability, foster strong parent-child relationships, and respect the needs of all parties involved.

Establishing Parental Rights for Unmarried or Non-Biological Parents

In some cases, legal steps may be necessary to establish parental rights—especially for parents who are not listed on the child’s birth certificate, non-biological parents in blended families, or those in same-sex relationships. Ontario family law recognizes a broad range of parental relationships, and courts will consider the role a person has played in a child’s life when determining parenting rights.

We assist clients with:

  • Applications for parenting time and decision-making responsibility
  • Declarations of parentage
  • Legal recognition of psychological or step-parents

Our goal is to ensure that meaningful parenting relationships are legally protected and respected by the court.

Modifying Parenting Orders and Agreements

Parenting plans and court orders are not set in stone. As children grow and circumstances change, updates may be necessary to reflect new realities—such as changes in a parent’s work schedule, the child’s schooling, or relocation to a new city.

To modify an existing order or agreement, there must be a material change in circumstances. Our lawyers guide clients through the process of seeking or opposing modifications, whether through negotiation or by bringing a motion before the court.

Enforcing Your Parental Rights

If one parent fails to comply with a court order or agreement—such as by denying parenting time, withholding important information, or interfering with decision-making—legal action may be required to enforce your rights.

We represent clients in enforcement matters involving:

  • Denied or restricted parenting time
  • Failure to follow court-ordered parenting plans
  • Unilateral decision-making
  • Non-compliance with communication protocols

Courts in Ontario take enforcement of parenting orders seriously. We act quickly to help restore compliance and, where appropriate, seek remedies such as make-up parenting time or changes to the existing order.

Relocation and Mobility Disputes

Relocation cases—where one parent wishes to move with the child to a different city, province, or country—can significantly impact the other parent’s ability to maintain a relationship with the child. These cases are often complex and emotionally charged.

The law in Ontario requires a parent who wishes to relocate to notify the other parent, and in many cases, the relocation must be approved by the court. Our lawyers represent both relocating and non-relocating parents in mobility disputes, building persuasive arguments based on the child’s best interests and the long-term impact of the move.

Addressing Parental Alienation

Parental alienation occurs when one parent attempts to damage or undermine the child’s relationship with the other parent. This behaviour can be subtle or overt and may include negative comments, interference with parenting time, or efforts to turn the child against the other parent.

Courts in Ontario are increasingly aware of the serious impact parental alienation can have on children and will intervene when appropriate. We assist clients in documenting alienating behaviour and taking legal steps to protect the child’s relationship with both parents.

Parenting Plans and Dispute Resolution

A comprehensive parenting plan is one of the most effective ways to clarify parental responsibilities and reduce conflict. We help clients draft clear, enforceable parenting agreements that address:

  • Parenting schedules
  • Decision-making protocols
  • Communication methods
  • Transportation logistics
  • Dispute resolution mechanisms

These plans can be reached through negotiation, mediation, or collaborative family law processes. When litigation is necessary, our lawyers are prepared to represent your interests in court with professionalism and dedication.

Speak With a Richmond Hill Parental Rights Lawyer

Your role as a parent deserves strong legal protection, especially during times of family transition. The Richmond Hill parental rights lawyers at Feldstein Family Law Group P.C. are committed to helping you preserve your connection with your child, whether you are seeking to establish rights, enforce existing arrangements, or adapt to new circumstances.

We offer trusted legal advice and skilled representation to parents throughout Richmond Hill and the surrounding areas. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with a member of our team.

To speak with our experienced Richmond Hill parental rights lawyers, call us at (905) 581-7222 or contact us online today. 

Meet Our Dedicated Team of Lawyers

Over a Century of Collective Experience
  • Andrew  Feldstein Photo
    Andrew Feldstein Founder

    Andrew Feldstein graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School in 1992. Prior to focusing exclusively on family law, Andrew’s legal practice covered many different areas, including corporate commercial. One of Andrew’s fundamental objectives is to achieve those goals mutually and collaboratively, as set out by him and his client.

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  • Daphna  Schwartz Photo
    Daphna Schwartz Lawyer

    Daphna Schwartz joined Feldstein Family Law Group, P.C. in 2007 as an associate lawyer. She was previously practising family law in the Barrie area. Her practice includes all areas of divorce and family law, including custody and access, child support, spousal support, and property issues. Daphna is also qualified to practise Collaborative Family Law.

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  • Anna  Troitschanski Photo
    Anna Troitschanski Lawyer

    Anna Troitschanski joined the team at Feldstein Family Law Group, P.C. in 2012. Prior to that, she practised Family Law at a boutique Newmarket firm. Her experience covers all areas of divorce and family law, including custody and access, child support, spousal supportdivision of property, and alternative dispute resolution.

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  • Nick  Slinko Photo
    Nick Slinko Lawyer

    Nick Slinko attended York University from 2003-2007 where he majored in both Law & Society and Philosophy. Nick graduated in 2007 with an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree. He proceeded to earn a Juris Doctor in Law at the University of Western Ontario in 2011. Nick was Called to the Bar in June of 2012 after completing his Articling term.

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  • Veronica  Yeung Photo
    Veronica Yeung Lawyer

    Veronica Yeung joined the Feldstein Family Law Group, P.C. as a summer student in 2014 and returned as an articling student in 2015. Following her call to the Ontario Bar in June 2016, Veronica was welcomed to the team as an associate lawyer. Veronica attended York University for her undergraduate studies and was on the Dean’s Honour Roll.

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  • Shana  Gordon-Katz Photo
    Shana Gordon-Katz Lawyer

    Shana joined Feldstein Family Law Group P.C. as an articling student in 2017. Following her call to the Ontario Bar in June 2018, Shana was welcomed back to the firm as an associate. While completing her articles, Shana assisted with legal matters covering all areas of family law. Shana attended the University of Western Ontario.

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  • Rachel  Zweig Photo
    Rachel Zweig Lawyer

    Rachel joined Feldstein Family Law Group P.C as a Summer Student in 2019 and returned as an Articling Student in 2020-2021. Following her Call to the Ontario Bar in April 2021, Rachel was welcomed back to the firm as an Associate. Rachel completed her legal studies and obtained her Juris Doctor at the University of Ottawa.

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  • Lauren  Harvey Photo
    Lauren Harvey Associate Lawyer

    Lauren joined Feldstein Family Law Group as a Summer Student in 2020 and returned as an Articling Student in 2021-2022. Following her Call to the Ontario Bar in April 2022, Lauren was welcomed back to the firm as an Associate. Laura completed her legal studies and obtained her Juris Doctor at the University of Western Ontario.

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  • Quinn  Held Photo
    Quinn Held Associate Lawyer

    Quinn spent two years as a Summer Student and then completed her Articling term at a boutique Family Law firm in Orangeville, where she was exposed to various complex Family Law matters. Following her Call to the Bar of Ontario in June 2022, she became an Associate with the Feldstein Family Law Group.

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  • Kyla  Johnson Photo
    Kyla Johnson Associate Lawyer

    Kyla joined Feldstein Family Law Group P.C as an Articling Student in 2023. Following her Call to the Ontario Bar in April 2024, Kyla joined the team as an Associate. Prior to completing her legal studies and obtaining her Juris Doctor at the University of Ottawa, Kyla graduated from Queens University with a Bachelor of Arts with Honors.

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