Filing for divorce in Ohio can be an extremely stressful and emotionally charged situation, and this is especially true when children are involved. Of all the legal disputes that typically arise during divorce proceedings in Columbus, determining parental custody and visitation rights has to be one of the most difficult. Many parents filing for divorce in Ohio are loving, caring individuals who only want to do what is best for their children, but oftentimes, it is impossible for parents to agree on what their children’s bests interests actually are. If you are filing for divorce in Columbus, or if you have been served divorce papers by your spouse, and you are concerned about reaching an agreeable child custody arrangement, don’t hesitate to get legal help.
Columbus Child Custody Attorney
Determining child custody in a Ohio divorce case is a sensitive, stressful matter that can easily become a point of contention among couples who are unable to agree on a shared plan for co-parenting their children. Our family law attorneys have experience guiding divorce clients through productive child custody negotiations and can help you and the other parent create a workable, amicable custody agreement that meets the needs of the two of you and your children as well. In some cases, Ohio child custody disputes can be resolved outside of court, through mediation, but in many situations these family law cases end up going to trial. Either way, our Columbus child custody lawyers will represent your legal rights to the full extent of the law.
How to File for Child Custody in Ohio
Parental custody rights vary from state to state, and in Ohio, the courts typically base their child custody and visitation decisions on what is best for the health, safety and welfare of the children in question, whereas in the past, they would typically automatically give custody to the mother over the father. To set up a child custody or visitation order for your children, you or the other parent must request an order from the court. This can happen in one of two ways. If you already have a family court case in progress, for your divorce for example, you can ask for a court date for custody and visitation issues. During divorce proceedings, either parent can file for legal or physical custody of their children, and in order to do so, the parent must file the proper child custody forms requesting a court order that awards joint or sole custody of the children. If you do not have an open case and need to start one, you can file a Petition for Custody and Support of Minor Children, which allows the court to make custody and visitation arrangements. When making a child custody and visitation decision in Ohio, the court will take into consideration a number of factors, including the following:
- The best interests of the children
- The children’s wishes, if they are over the age of 12
- Which parent is more likely to encourage frequent visits with the other parent
- Any parental history of drug use
- Any parental history of domestic violence
Our attorneys prioritize children in all family law matters. Our goal is to minimize any impact from a divorce, dissolution, or custody case on the children involved. Our motto is always, “Children Matter Most!”
Good parents always seek to provide the best possible outcome for their children, which includes considering the children’s needs and wishes. Parents facing a divorce, dissolution, or custody dispute should find a family law attorney who offers solutions personalized for each individual family. We have over 30 years of experience in handling all aspect of family law cases and are especially well-equipped to assist clients with custody issues.
Parents are frequently confronted with emotional and deeply personal issues when a divorce or dissolution is looming. Unfortunately the children are often experiencing their own serious and traumatic reactions, as well. These reactions manifest themselves in various ways, sometimes observable during the legal process, but other times not apparent until much later. Our attorneys understand how difficult divorce can be on you, but we can help you focus on the needs of your children.
Our Columbus child custody attorneys fully understand how to analyze your particular situation and to weigh the pros and cons of shared parenting or sole custody. While family law courts generally prefer to grant joint custody, multiple factors influence the final custody decision.
Calling upon our considerable experience, our child custody attorneys will find and advocate for the most suitable parenting time strategies based on your children’s needs. Children of different ages will need different parenting time strategies, and we will make recommendations accordingly.
We also understand personality disorders and other psychological disorders, plus how they can affect a child custody decision. When necessary, we can also obtain appropriate psychological evaluations for the parents, children, or both.
Ideally, both parties will agree on a custody arrangement. Details include where the children will live, who will make the parenting decisions, and the holiday schedule, among others. When both parents cannot come to a consensus on child custody, the family law court will make a decision for you. Factors affecting the court decision include which parent has been the primary caregiver, the parents’ work schedules, and more.
If you and your family are facing child custody and parenting time issues, you can rely on us to help you and your children transition to a happy and positive future. This is truly a law firm where Children Matter Most.
Contact Our Experienced Child Custody Lawyers Today
If you need a child custody lawyer, please contactus for help. To arrange a confidential initial consultation and to find a mutually convenient time, you may call or email us today.