Tag: Best Interests of the Child

Key Takeaways

• Best interests of the child is the legal test Ontario courts use to decide parenting issues.
• Courts focus on the child’s safety, stability, and well-being, not what either parent “deserves.”
• A clear parenting plan and consistent routines can strongly support a parent’s position.
• The goal is to encourage healthy relationships, when safe, and reduce conflict around the child.

What Does “Best Interests of the Child” Mean in Ontario?

In Ontario family law, the phrase “best interests of the child” is the legal standard the court uses when making decisions about children after separation. In simple terms, it means the judge will make parenting orders based on what will best support the child’s overall health, safety, emotional well-being, and long-term development.
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