u/Creepy-Chemistry-516

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for some guidance on navigating a family law situation in the GTA. I am a father with sole custody (granted via a court order in July 2022) of 11-year-old twins. Both children are on the spectrum and require a very strict routine for their schoolwork and developmental progress.

I recently restricted the girls from spending full weekends at their maternal grandmother’s house because she refused to support their homework and school routine, which was causing them to fall behind. I’ve repeatedly offered for her to visit them at my home instead, but she refuses and is now threatening legal action.

I just received a formal letter from her lawyer demanding a full "Parenting Plan" including every other weekend, half of all holidays, and access to their medical/school records.

I’m looking for insight on:

1. How much power does a grandparent actually have to override a sole-custody order in Ontario?
2. Has anyone dealt with Legal Aid Ontario (LAO) for a "defense" case like this? I’m worried about the cost of fighting this while working and raising two kids with special needs.
3. Are there any Ontario-specific resources or clinics for parents who are being pressured by high-conflict extended family members?

I’m just trying to protect my kids' progress and keep their lives stable. Any advice or shared experiences would be greatly appreciated.

Hi everyone. I’m posting on behalf of a family member in the Etobicoke area who is in a tough spot.

The father has a 2022 court order granting him sole decision-making and primary residence of 11-year-old twins who are on the spectrum. Recently, he limited visitation at the maternal grandmother’s home because the environment was not supporting their required schoolwork/special needs routine. He has consistently offered visits at his own residence instead, which the grandmother has refused.

He just received a formal letter from a lawyer hired by the grandmother, demanding a full weekend parenting schedule and access to medical/school records, with a deadline to respond.

1. Under the Children’s Law Reform Act, how much weight does a 2022 sole-custody order carry when a grandparent is requesting a "Parenting Plan" that contradicts the established routine?
2. Since he is not denying access (he is offering it at his home), does this satisfy the "best interests of the child" or is he legally required to allow off-site visits?
3. What are the low-cost or summary advice resources in Ontario for a custodial parent needing to respond to a lawyer's demand letter?

He’s a dedicated dad just trying to keep his girls on track with school. Any leads or experiences would be greatly appreciated.