Ontario Medical Decisions for Children After Separation

In short: Ontario calls authority over major health choices decision-making responsibility. The parenting agreement or order should say whether health decisions are joint, assigned to one parent, or divided by subject. Routine care and emergencies still need a practical information-sharing system.

This is general information, not legal or medical advice.

Read the allocation of responsibility

Do not rely on the old label “custody.” Read the current order for decision-making responsibility and any health-specific terms. Joint decision-making requires a workable process for consultation; sole responsibility may still coexist with information-sharing obligations or rights, depending on the order and law.

Separate major choices from ordinary care. Giving prescribed medication, treating a minor injury, and following an established care plan during parenting time are different from consenting to significant treatment or changing a long-term provider.

Build a shared health routine

Record the child's health card details, clinicians, allergies, medication doses, appointments, and emergency contacts. After an appointment, share the relevant instructions rather than expecting the child to relay them. Both homes should know where necessary medication and equipment will be at exchanges.

For a proposed major treatment, share the clinical recommendation, alternatives, timing, cost where applicable, and the response deadline. Keep communication factual.

Emergencies and disputes

In an emergency, contact medical services first. Notify the other parent when safe and practical. If a major non-urgent decision remains disputed, mediation, legal advice, or a court application may be appropriate.

Where family violence, coercion, or a risk to the child is present, ordinary joint discussion may be unsafe. Follow protective orders and obtain specialist support.

Official Ontario resources

• Ontario: Parenting Time, Decision-Making Responsibility and Contact
• Children's Law Reform Act
• Justice Canada: Parenting Arrangements

Related Ontario pages

• Ontario custody guide
• Ontario child support guide
• Ontario parenting plans guide