The Ontario Parenting Plan Checklist

What a parenting plan is and why it matters

A parenting plan is a written agreement between parents about how they’ll care for their children after separation. It can be part of a separation agreement, included in a court order or simply used as a shared guide.

In Ontario, both the Divorce Act and the Children’s Law Reform Act focus on one question: what is in the best interests of the child. A good plan answers that question in concrete, everyday detail, so children get stability and parents have fewer things to argue about.

Use the checklist below as a starting point. Not every item will apply to your family, and that’s fine.

Decision-making responsibility

Decision-making responsibility (what used to be called custody) is about who makes the significant decisions for your children. It is separate from where the children spend their time.

• Health. Doctors, dentists, therapy, medication and medical treatment.

• Education. Which school, special education support, tutoring and post-secondary planning.

• Culture, language, religion and spirituality. How these will be part of your children’s lives.

• Significant activities. Sports, music and other commitments that affect both homes or both budgets.

• How decisions get made. Jointly, by one parent after consulting the other, or divided by topic, such as one parent handling health and the other education.

The parenting time schedule

Parenting time (what used to be called access) is the time children spend in each parent’s care. The best schedule is one that fits your children’s ages, temperaments, school and activities, and that both homes can realistically keep up.

• The regular weekly schedule. Which days and nights children spend in each home.

• Exchanges. Where and when children move between homes, and who drives. School pick-ups can make exchanges easier for children.

• Younger children. Babies and toddlers often do better with shorter, more frequent time with each parent.

• Changes as children grow. A plan for reviewing the schedule at milestones, such as starting school or high school.

• Your children’s views. Depending on their age and maturity, children’s views and preferences are one factor to consider, but children should never be asked to choose between parents.

Holidays, birthdays and special days

Holidays are where many plans break down, so be specific about dates and times.

• Winter break, March break, Easter or other religious holidays and summer vacation

• Thanksgiving, Family Day and other long weekends

• Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and each parent’s birthday

• Children’s birthdays, including whether you’ll celebrate together or separately

• Summer vacation notice. How much notice each parent will give for vacation dates.

Communication and day-to-day logistics

• How parents communicate. Email, text or a co-parenting app, and expected response times.

• How children reach the other parent. Calls or video chats during each parent’s time.

• Sharing information. Report cards, medical updates and school notices.

• Belongings. Clothing, devices, medication and school supplies moving between homes.

• New partners. When and how children will be introduced to a new partner.

• Consistency. Bedtimes, screen time and other house rules you want to keep similar.

Moving, travel and changes

Plans should address what happens when life changes.

• Relocation. Under Ontario and federal law, a parent who plans a move that would significantly affect the children’s relationship with the other parent must generally give written notice at least 60 days in advance.

• Travel. Whether consent is needed for travel outside Ontario or Canada, who holds the passports and how much notice is needed. A signed consent letter is recommended when a child travels with only one parent.

• Changes to the plan. How you’ll agree on temporary changes, such as a shift swap, and how you’ll review the plan over time.

How to resolve disagreements

Even good plans meet disagreements. Decide now how you’ll handle them, for example by talking first, then trying mediation before either parent goes to court.

If there has been family violence or you are worried about your safety or your children’s, the plan needs to reflect that. Courts take family violence seriously when deciding what is best for children, and some steps, like joint meetings, may not be appropriate. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

Child support is usually dealt with separately from the parenting plan, using the Federal Child Support Guidelines, but the schedule you choose can affect how support is calculated, so it helps to look at both together.

Talk it through with us

A parenting plan is easier to build with someone who has seen what works. Book a free 30-minute confidential consultation and we’ll help you sort out which items matter most for your family.