One of the things grandparents fear the most is being cut off from their grandkids. Often other family members such as aunts, uncles, and cousins, feel the same way.  Some stepparents dread the thought of being denied contact with their step-kids if they separate from the parent of those children.  When the Ontario government made changes to the Family Law legislation in 2021, it made it specifically possible for these non-parent family members to go to court and get orders to let them see, and even make decisions for kids.

In this episode of the Ontario Family Law Podcast, Certified Specialist in Family Law, John Schuman, explains how grandparents and other important people to a child can ask a judge to make an order permitting them to have time with the child, and perhaps even decision-making responsibilities.  He also explains the other consequences that can come along with those orders, such as a requirement to share personal information and even pay child support.   The process is a little more complicated than it is for parents, but going to Family Court is definitely a family option for a person who was important in a child’s life to go to court to get an order to reestablish contact.  A video version of this episode is available on YouTube.

If you found this episode helpful, check out these other episodes on similar topics:

75 - When Can You Legally Stop Your Ex From Seeing the Kids?

73 - How to Give to Your Kids, But Not Their Spouse/Partners

70 - Do You Have A Duty To Report to the Children’s Aid Society?

68 - Will Your Ex Get Everything If You Die?

60 - Should You Take Your Ex To Family Court?

59 - Why You Won’t Get Custody of the Kids

23 - Why You Need a Will

12 - How Step Parent and Grandparents Can be on the Hook for Child Support

10 - Child Support in Ontario/Canada: Who Pays and How Much?

8 - How Your Heart Can Get You Into Financial Trouble - Step Children and Matrimonial Homes

The Ontario Family Law Podcast is a companion to the book, Guide to the Basics of Ontario Family Law.