Visitation Lawyers in Toronto

The time you spend with your children is precious, and it never feels like enough. The courts know how important it is for children to have frequent contact with both parents, and that’s why they often set up visitation schedules to ensure that both parents have court-ordered time with the children.

However, sometimes, visitation rights cases can get complicated, and it can be difficult to know what your legal rights and obligations are. Find out more about visitation and what to do if you’re being kept from your children.

Visitation can be a confusing family law issue, and it’s important to understand exactly what it means and how it applies to your case. Talk with one of our lawyers to get more information on visitation rights in Toronto and how you may be able to get more time with your children.

What Is Visitation

In the family courts, visitation refers to someone–usually a parent–having a court-ordered schedule to see the children at certain times. However, it’s also possible for other parties, such as grandparents, to be granted visitation.

Visitation schedules are usually given to the noncustodial parent so that they know when they are going to get to spend time with the children, and the children can have the security of a routine. Visitation can be unsupervised or supervised and can take place in the visiting parent’s home or at a different location, depending on what the court orders.

Do All Parents Automatically Have Visitation Rights?

In general, parents are assumed to have full parental rights–including visitation rights–to their children until and unless the courts say otherwise. This means that one parent cannot deny the other parent visitation with the children if there is no court order yet established outlining the visitation rights and schedule.

Once an order is put in place, the custodial parent is not legally able to keep the children away from the other parent–usually referred to as the access parent–during their scheduled times.

If you have been granted visitation rights and the other parent is refusing to let you see the children, it is important to talk with a family law lawyer as soon as possible and let the courts know that the other parent isn’t abiding by the court order.

You will also want to continue to attempt to exercise all of your visitations to show the courts that you have done everything possible to maintain a relationship with the children and that the other parent is refusing access.

What Does Supervised Visitation Mean?

Supervised visitation means that the parent exercising the visitation is not legally allowed to spend time with the children alone. The courts may order that visitation simply be supervised by another party and leave the details up to the parent.

For example, a parent could have their visitation supervised by a friend of the family or a grandparent.

However, it’s also possible for the courts to order supervised visitation that has to take place with more formal supervision in an ordered location. This type of supervised visitation is usually reserved for parents who have demonstrated a history of putting their children in dangerous situations, such as abuse or substance use.

Can a Toronto Family Lawyer Help Me Get More Visitation?

If you are trying to get more visitation with your children, a family law lawyer can definitely help. They can walk you through the difference between custody and visitation and ensure that you’re moving toward your goals.

For example, if the other parent was granted sole custody and you were only given minor visitation rights, working toward an increase in visitation could set the stage for eventually asking the courts for a joint custody arrangement. An lawyer can also advise you on how to handle visitation to make sure that you’re abiding by any and all court orders.

If you’re not sure what your visitation rights are or you want to see your children more often, talking with an experienced family law lawyer is the first step.

At Anthony Family Law, we have worked on all kinds of visitation cases and can help you understand your options and how to take steps toward extended visitation. Get started by calling our Toronto office at 647-933-2397.

Enforcing Visitation Orders and Dealing with Violations

Sometimes, even after a court order is in place, one parent may refuse or interfere with the other parent’s visitation rights. This can be frustrating and emotionally challenging, but there are legal steps you can take to enforce your visitation order.

Your family law lawyer can help you file a motion with the court to enforce the order and seek remedies such as make-up visitation time or, in some cases, penalties against the parent who is violating the order. The court’s primary concern is always the best interests of the children, so they take visitation interference seriously.

Modifying Visitation Orders

Life circumstances change, and sometimes visitation orders need to be modified. Whether due to relocation, changes in work schedules, or evolving family dynamics, you may find that the existing visitation schedule no longer works for you or the children.

To modify a visitation order, you generally need to apply to the court and demonstrate that there has been a significant change in circumstances. A skilled family law lawyer can guide you through this process, helping you present your case effectively to the judge.

Importance of Communication and Mediation

While court orders are important, maintaining open and respectful communication with the other parent can often lead to more flexible and workable visitation arrangements. Many families benefit from mediation, where a neutral third party helps parents negotiate visitation schedules and resolve disputes amicably.

Mediation can be less adversarial, quicker, and less expensive than court proceedings. If you are facing visitation challenges, your lawyer may recommend mediation as a first step before pursuing court action.

Additional Support Services

In some cases, especially where there are concerns about child safety or wellbeing, agencies such as the Children’s Aid Society may become involved. They work to ensure that children are protected and may recommend supervised visitation or other arrangements.

If you have concerns about child protection or need guidance navigating complex family issues, a family lawyer can connect you with the appropriate resources and support services.

Toronto Visitation Lawyers

Visitation rights are a crucial part of maintaining a strong relationship between parents and children after separation or divorce. Understanding your rights, responsibilities, and the legal processes involved can help you protect your time with your children.

Whether you are seeking to establish visitation, enforce an existing order, or modify your visitation schedule, experienced visitation lawyers in Toronto can provide the legal guidance and support you need. Contact Anthony Family Law for a free consultation and take the first step toward securing your visitation rights and fostering a positive future for your family.