PARENTING DECISION-MAKING
One of the most contentious issues that arise during a separation or divorce is child-related decisions, including:
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Where will the child live?
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How much time will each parent spend with the child?
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How will parents make major decisions about how to care for and raise the child?
Decision-making responsibility is the right to make major decisions about how to care for and raise your child. Decision-making responsibility was formerly referred to as ‘custody’.
The parent with decision-making responsibility has the right to make important decisions about:
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The child’s education
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The child’s medical care
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The child’s religion
Decision-making responsibility can be divided in a number of ways, including:
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One parent has sole the decision-making responsibility, and may or may not need to consult the other parent prior to making any major decisions;
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Both parents have decision-making responsibility, although one parent may or may not have to say regarding major decisions that affect the child(ren); or
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Each parent is responsible for different areas. For example, one parent makes decisions about the child's health and another parent makes decisions about the child's education.
We have helped hundreds of clients resolve parenting disputes through parenting plans or litigation.