Experienced Legal Guidance For Child Custody Challenges In Ohio

Last updated on January 3, 2025

When legal challenges involve your child, like in a divorce or paternity action, it can be emotionally exhausting. It is always difficult when children are involved, even if the parents are amicable and remember to put the interests of their child first. An experienced child custody lawyer can provide legal guidance and protect your parental rights.

At Dahlberg, Stanley & Foderetti, LLC, our child custody attorneys have dedicated their careers to helping families in Columbus and the surrounding Ohio communities resolve their legal challenges and needs.

Understanding Child Custody Laws In Ohio

In Ohio, the law recognizes two primary forms of custody: sole custody and shared parenting. Sole custody means one parent has both physical and legal custody of the child. Shared parenting allows both parents to have a role in making decisions about their child’s upbringing.

The courts decide custody based on the child’s best interests. Factors include the parents’ ability to cooperate, the child’s relationship with each parent and the child’s adjustment to home, school and community. An experienced child custody lawyer can help you understand how these factors might apply to your case.

Ohio Child Custody Laws For Unmarried Parents

In the state of Ohio, if a child is born to unmarried parents, the court automatically grants child custody to the mother, unless and until the court orders otherwise. For unmarried fathers who wish to protect their custody rights, a child custody lawyer can assist with paternity action to help fathers establish paternity. However, even after paternity is determined, the court will still give preference to unmarried mothers, unless the father initiates a custody proceeding.

How Are Parenting Plans And Visitation Schedules Determined In Ohio?

While custody determines who makes decisions on behalf of a child, parenting plans and visitation schedules give parents access to their child. In Ohio, the court encourages parents to work together to create a plan that works for both parties and the child.

If parents cannot agree as part of their separation agreement or divorce proceeding, the court will decide parenting time based on the child’s best interests. This includes considering each parent’s involvement in the child’s life and the child’s needs. Our family law litigators will help you devise a parenting plan that works for you and negotiate on your behalf to create a plan that meets your family’s needs while also keeping your child’s well-being a priority.

Is It Possible To Change A Custody Order In Ohio?

As everything settles after a divorce and you move forward with your new life, it is not uncommon for circumstances to change and evolve to the point where you need to revisit your existing custody and visitation order. It is possible to change a custody order in Ohio if there has been a significant change in circumstances.

Significant changes in circumstances could include changes in a parent’s living situation, the child’s changing needs or the failure of one parent to follow the current order. Our attorneys can help you assess whether or not your circumstances would qualify for a modification and petition the court to request a change in your existing court order.

Can A Parent Refuse To Allow Visitation If Child Support Has Not Been Paid?

In Ohio, child support and visitation rights are separate issues. A parent cannot refuse visitation because the other parent has not paid court-ordered financial support and denying visitation can result in legal consequences. If you are facing issues with child support or visitation, our child custody attorneys can provide guidance and help you address these challenges legally and appropriately.

Schedule A Consultation With A Columbus Child Custody Lawyer

If you are looking for a child custody lawyer in Columbus, we invite you to reach out to our lawyers at Dahlberg, Stanley & Foderetti, LLC. Our child custody attorneys offer a confidential, no-obligation initial consultation. To schedule your confidential appointment, you can call 614-670-8103 or send us a message through our website. We look forward to answering your questions and working together to help you resolve your child custody challenge.