Parents are often able to work out and maintain shared parenting schedules without any outside assistance, but not always. Even when both parents work hard to communicate and determine – and stick to – a shared parenting time schedule, it is not always possible. The Family Law Act and the Divorce Act require both parents to put the child’s needs first and to act with the child’s best interests in mind. However, disputes may arise regarding pending or existing shared parenting time plans. When that happens, a shared parenting schedule lawyer, mediator, or counsellor may be able to help resolve the issue. If that is not successful, it may be time to go to court. A shared parenting time lawyer can file your application for interim parenting time or a change to an existing parenting time schedule and represent you before the judge.