CHILD CUSTODY
Families are continually under attack, and we are regularly called upon to assist with child custody.
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Child Custody can be a difficult change within your family. During this time, it is important to find a legal team that genuinely cares for you and your loved ones and will work with you to reach a solution that fits the needs of your family.
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Backed by more than four decades of experience, the Ohio Legal Group is equipped to help you reach a positive outcome.
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We regularly perform family law work, including child custody, child support, divorces and dissolutions, in the Erie County, Huron County, Ottawa County, Sandusky County, and Lorain County Courts of Common Pleas.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Types of Custody
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There are several different types of custody that may be awarded depending on the parents’ situation and depending on what is best for the children.
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See the following:
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Emergency custody: Emergency custody is rare remedy for when a child is facing imminent harm due to abuse, neglect, or is in danger of becoming dependent upon the government.
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Temporary custody: When the final court decision about child custody is pending, the children may be placed under temporary custody. This outlines who is responsible for the wellbeing of the children until the final child custody decision is made.
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Sole or primary custody: This means that one parent is legally responsible for the child and that the child will live in that parent’s house. Unless otherwise stated, the other parent will typically have the right to visit and share in child support payments.
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Shared custody: The court can approve a parenting plan that outlines a divide between legal and physical care of the children. Although these responsibilities are shared between the parents, they are not necessarily divided evenly.
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How Child Custody is Awarded in Ohio?
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The child custody process begins when a motion is filed by one or both parents for custody. In some cases, parents work together to file the motion and push for shared custody. In other cases, parents file separate plans and motions and it is up to the court to determine what is best for the children. All of these plans are subject to revisions at the court’s request.
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To decide what is in the best interests of the child, the court is allowed to investigate the parents. In some cases, the parents and/or children may undergo psychiatric, medical, and psychological exams.
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Typically, the court investigates the parents in the following areas:
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Financial standing
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Ability to provide
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Relationships with family
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History of conduct
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Character
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A criminal record that shows neglect or abuse of a child or family member can greatly affect who custody goes to after a divorce or separation.
OTHER FAMILY LAW SERVICES
Divorce
Divorce is the contested process by which parties terminate their marriage. Parties vary in their reasons for divorce, but it only takes one party asking for a divorce to get divorced. Regardless of your reason, we can assist you in the process.
Establishing Parental Rights
Unfortunately, Ohio's fathers have no rights to their children, if they were not married to the mother at the time of the child's birth.
These fathers must file a Petition for Allocation of Parental Rights to formally establish their right to parenting time, school records access, and medical records access.
Genetic Testing
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Dissolution
The dissolution is a more amicable process whereby parties terminate their marriage. It is more amicable, because the parties come to the court with an agreement as to the division of their assets and allocation of parental rights.
Custody & Abuse, Neglect, and Dependency cases
Parents may disagree as to what is in the best interest of their minor children; however, Ohio law provides guidance for the resolution of those conflicts by allocating custody to one parent. The battle for custody should never be taken lightly, and should always rely upon an experienced attorney.
Shared Parenting
Shared parenting is the alternative to Custody. It's designed for parties who communicate well and agree to share in the decision making responsibilities when it comes to their minor children.