In early December 2025, Canadian lawyer Brian Ludmer, founder and principal attorney of Toronto-based company Ludmer Law, presented at the 7th International Conference on Shared Parenting in Lisbon, Portugal. The event brought together legal professionals, researchers, mental health workers, and policy advocates from around the globe. Ludmer’s presentation focused on how courts decide shared parenting cases and why legal inconsistency continues to affect families long after separation.
Drawing on decades of experience in family law, Ludmer addressed a recurring concern in many jurisdictions: the gap between what legislation intends and how it is applied in real courtrooms. He explained that while shared parenting and maximum contact principles are widely recognized, outcomes still vary significantly depending on location, judicial discretion, and the evidence presented in each case. This lack of predictability creates challenges for parents and professionals trying to figure out an already stressful process.
A primary theme of the presentation was the role of science in family law decision-making. Ludmer discussed how courts act as gatekeepers when expert evidence is introduced, especially in areas such as child development, memory science, and parental alienation. He emphasized that well-qualified experts and peer-reviewed research can help courts move beyond assumptions and toward decisions that better reflect children’s developmental needs. These tools, when applied carefully, offer a more consistent and informed framework for evaluating parenting arrangements.
The presentation also explored how parental alienation is addressed from a legal perspective. Ludmer explained that courts increasingly see alienation as a harmful process rather than a diagnostic label. He outlined how behaviour patterns, factual evidence, and judicial findings are often enough to establish concern, even without a formal expert report. This method allows courts to respond more effectively when children’s relationships with a parent are being undermined over time.
Another main part of the presentation involved recent developments in shared parenting jurisprudence. Ludmer emphasized new trends in Canada, America, and the United Kingdom that suggest a gradual change toward recognizing shared parenting as a starting point, absent evidence to the contrary. He referenced recent Ontario decisions that acknowledge shared parenting as a norm in many cases, reflecting changing social values and growing reliance on research around child well-being.
Ludmer also linked courtroom practice with legislative reform. He explained how legal advocacy, research, and real-world case results can inform lawmakers when statutes are revisited or updated. His work with policymakers and advocacy groups has focused on reducing ambiguity in family law and supporting clearer guidance that prioritizes children’s long-term relationships with both parents.
The Lisbon conference provided an opportunity to exchange ideas across borders and legal systems. For Ludmer, the event reinforced the importance of consistency, evidence, and thoughtful reform in shared parenting law. His presentation reflected an ongoing commitment to improving how courts evaluate parenting disputes and how families experience the justice system during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
Ludmer’s full presentation can be seen here: Read More
In addition to operating Ludmer Law, Brian Ludmer is also a co-author of The High-Conflict Custody Battle, as well as a co-founder of Lawyers for Shared Parenting, an international advocacy group promoting reforms that prioritize children’s relationships with both parents. He has also contributed to several federal and provincial initiatives aimed at codifying presumptions of equal parenting time.
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Brian Ludmer’s Comprehensive Summary of Equal Shared Parenting and Maximum Contact Law in Canada