Tips To Help Every Father Fight for His Parental Rights in Canada

Technically, you don’t have to fight for fathers’ rights in Ontario, Canada, because federal and provincial laws guarantee them. But when you’re dissatisfied with the current extent that you’re able to exercise them, it’s time to get to work. From correcting misconceptions to taking parenting classes to hiring a parental rights lawyer, there’s a lot you can do to help yourself.

Avoid the court

Going to court for custody rights creates animosity between you and your ex-spouse or partner. You will perceive each other as enemies, which will only make resolving a case harder. Worse, you can become increasingly hostile to each other, hurting your kids more.

To avoid this scenario, skip litigation and go for mediation and arbitration instead. This way, you can be heard equally without beating each other to a custody award. The goal is only to agree and make things easier for everyone, especially your children. Additionally, litigation is expensive, so out-of-court options make practical sense.

Don’t take the bait

Child custody and support cases can get heated, especially when the blame game starts. Your ex might say things that are not true or taken out of context. Avoid finger-pointing and expressing anger during a hearing if you are in court for a custody case.

Keep your cool and control your temper no matter what your ex says. Losing your temper can reflect poorly on you. Maintaining your composure shows that you have control over your emotions, which is a significant plus. Remember, a judge will assess your behaviour, affecting their decisions.

Take child support seriously, but don’t stress about it

In Ontario, you pay child support based on three factors indicated on the provincial Child Support Table. These include the number of children you have, your annual pre-tax income, and your Canadian address.

In other words, the court will only have you pay an amount according to your capacity. You can even negotiate it down if you settle amicably with your ex.

Nothing can legally keep you away from your children in Ontario. If you’re struggling with child support payments but make them when you can, don’t worry about your rights. However, it would be best to avoid behaviour that might convince a judge to terminate those rights.

Take parenting classes

Even if you don’t need them, take parenting classes for fathers. There’s a good chance you’ll learn something new that you can apply to your kids. It shows the court that you’re going the extra mile to become a better parent in case of a dispute. Taking parenting classes proves you have your child’s best interests at heart.

Forget “there’s no such thing as fathers’ rights in Ontario”

There’s a common misconception that fathers’ rights in Ontario don’t exist. It started as a way to describe Ontario’s child-friendly courts in a child-centric way. Instead of saying fathers have rights to their children, Ontarians say children have rights to their fathers, which is true.

Regardless, you have rights as a father in Ontario. There’s no particular mom law or dad law, but those rights you have over your children are legally solid.

Don’t make it all about rights

It’s crucial to understand your rights as a father before you can fight for them. But it would help if you didn’t make it all about your rights. It would be best to look at it as a parent thing, and you’re trying to solve a problem instead of causing one.

Keep arguments about your children to a minimum and focus on illustrating to the court that you’re a focused father. Most importantly, show them that you can do that without throwing shade on anyone, even your ex.

Get a decent home and permanent job

The court may investigate your day-to-day routine to help them assess your fitness as a father. They might check your living conditions, financial stability, and social habits. Clean up your apartment, keep your job (or get one), and avoid irresponsible social behaviour. Behave like a responsible father to maintain your parental rights to your children.

Hire a family lawyer

Hiring a lawyer isn’t only a contingency for going to court. Even if you’re planning to keep things between you and your former wife or partner, you can always use the help of a legal expert. With their mastery of family law, you can ensure that you’re protected while you draw up an agreement.

It would be advisable to have someone give you legal insights and direction, mainly because your ex will probably have a lawyer herself. She may have good intentions, but her lawyer’s legal strategy might jeopardize your rights without her realizing it. Whatever the situation, a lawyer can protect your rights.

Learn: How to Hire a Father’s Rights Lawyer