Legal Support

Parenting &

Child-Related Matters

When a relationship ends, decisions about parenting and support are some of the most importantly, and often the most sensitive, choices you’ll make.

At Allen Law, we help parents navigate these conversations with clarity, compassion, and a steady focus on what’s best for their children.

In Ontario, “custody and access” have been replaced with terms like parenting time and decision-making responsibility,  language that centres on the child’s well-being.

Parenting Time

Refers to when a child is in each parent’s care. Parenting time can be shared equally or structured to suit the child’s age, school, and routines.

Decision-Making Responsibility

Decision-making responsibility outlines who makes key choices about the child’s health, education, and upbringing.

Joint decision-making: both parents share this role.

Sole decision-making: one parent holds final authority.

Family Law Lawyers in Ottawa, Ontario

How a Family Law Lawyer Can Help

A family law lawyer does more than represent you.  They provide guidance, strategy, and steady support through life’s most personal transitions.

  • Understand their rights and responsibilities under Ontario’s Family Law Act and Divorce Act
  • Negotiate fair outcomes in support, property, and parenting disputes
  • Draft and review separation and parenting agreements
  • Represent clients in mediation, arbitration, or court proceedings
  • Enforce or vary existing court orders and agreements
  • Provide trusted, practical advice at every stage of family change

Our role is to protect your interests, help you make informed decisions, and ensure every outcome aligns with your family’s long-term well-being.

Family Mediation vs. Litigation

Mediation encourages cooperation and privacy. A neutral mediator helps both parents reach agreement without going to court, often faster, less costly, and more respectful.

Litigation becomes necessary when an agreement isn’t possible, or when complex issues arise (like safety, financial disclosure, or repeated conflict). We advocate clearly and strategically, always with your child’s well-being in focus.

Additional Family Law Support

More Ways We Can Help

Family Responsibility Office (FRO) Support

Helping with arrears, licence suspensions, or payment disputes.

  • More Details

    The Family Responsibility Office (FRO) enforces and tracks child and spousal support payments in Ontario. When payments fall behind or enforcement actions begin, the process can feel stressful and confusing. 


    We help clients resolve disputes with FRO, negotiate repayment options, and ensure all communication and documentation are handled correctly so that support obligations remain fair and manageable for everyone involved.

Child Support

Every child deserves consistency and stability. We help ensure your financial arrangements reflects that.

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    Child support ensures that children continue to benefit from the financial support of both parents after separation or divorce. Payments are determined under Ontario’s Child Support Guidelines, which consider income, parenting time, and special expenses. We help clients calculate, adjust, and enforce support arrangements, ensuring fairness and compliance while keeping the focus on the child’s well-being.

Mobility Applications

Guiding parents through the legal process when relocation impacts existing parenting plans.

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    In Ontario family law, a mobility application refers to a court application brought by a parent or guardian seeking permission to move (or to prevent a move) with a child — typically when the move would affect the other parent’s parenting time or decision-making responsibilities.

All decisions are guided by the best interests of the child, prioritizing safety, stability, and meaningful connection with both parents whenever possible.

Common Questions

  • What does “best interests of the child” mean?

    It’s the guiding principle in all parenting decisions. Courts consider factors like a child’s emotional and physical needs, their relationship with each parent, stability in their routine, and each parent’s ability to provide care and support.

  • Can parenting arrangements change over time?

    Yes. Parenting schedules or decision-making responsibilities can be updated when circumstances shift — such as a parent’s relocation, changes in work, or evolving needs of the child.

  • Do parents have to go to court to settle parenting issues?

    Not always. Many families reach agreement through negotiation or mediation. Court involvement is only necessary when those efforts aren’t possible or when legal orders are required to protect a child’s safety or ensure compliance.

  • How do I know if my child support amount is correct?

    Support is based on income, parenting time, and special expenses — but circumstances change. We review income information, calculate proper amounts under the Child Support Guidelines, and help adjust orders or agreements so they stay fair and accurate over time.

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Let’s find the best path forward for your family.

We’ll walk you through your options and help you take the next step.