Dublin Ohio Child Custody Attorneys

All issues involving a child turn on what is in the child’s “best interests.” Ohio Revised Code § 3109.04(F) lists a number of factors a judge should take into consideration, such as:

• How well the child has adjusted to their home, community, and school
• The mental and physical health of all people involved
• The child’s relationship with their parents, siblings, and other individuals
• How well the parent follows a parenting plan
• Whether a parent has intentionally denied visitation
• Whether a parent plans to move or has moved
• A history of domestic violence or child abuse

These are only some of the factors; a judge may consider anything relevant.

However, judges cannot automatically favor the mother or father based on gender. Once upon a time, judges assumed young children should be with mothers, but that is no longer a rule judges can follow. Indeed, Ohio law assumes that both parents should have significant involvement in their children’s lives.

Once a court allocates rights and responsibilities, the judge expects both parents to follow the parenting plan. When a parent cannot, then enforcement action might be necessary. For example, Mom might be willfully denying Dad visitation with the child, in which case Dad should get the judge involved. We can petition to enforce child custody orders.

As children grow, the plan might need to be revised. Only a judge can modify the allocation of parental rights and responsibilities. For example, you might want more time with your children or a different schedule because of lifestyle changes. We have helped parents obtain the necessary court approval.

A “custody fight” is rarely ideal. Parents will still need to work together going forward, possibly for decades as their children grow. Even if you are still angry about the divorce, you will need to set negative feelings aside for the benefit of your children.

Often, resolving custody outside of court can lay the foundation for successful co-parenting. Fortunately, Linda J. Lawrence is an experienced mediator who understands how to bring squabbling spouses together to find workable child custody solutions. We never look for a fight, though we will aggressively fight for your relationship with your children, if necessary.

Our attorneys are passionate advocates for our clients and will do everything possible to maximize your time with your child. For assistance, please contact us today.