Ohio courts don’t usually use the word “custody.” Instead, they allocate “parental rights and responsibilities” in one of two ways:

• Sole custody: One parent is named the residential parent and legal custodian and makes the major decisions for the child. The other parent usually receives parenting time.

• Shared parenting: Both parents share decision-making under a court-approved shared parenting plan. Shared parenting doesn’t require an equal 50/50 split of time.

Every decision is based on the best interest of the child. The court can weighs factors such as:

• The wishes of each parent

• The child’s wishes and concerns, which the judge may hear privately

• The child’s relationships with parents, siblings and other important people

• The child’s adjustment to home, school and community

• The physical and mental health of everyone involved

• Which parent is more likely to honor court-ordered parenting time

• Any history of domestic violence, abuse or neglect

• Whether a parent plans to move out of Ohio

When a child is born to an unmarried mother, Ohio law treats her as the sole residential parent and legal custodian until a court orders otherwise. Fathers who want custody or parenting time must establish paternity and file a case with the court. We help both mothers and fathers make sure their rights are clearly defined and enforceable.

Life changes, and custody orders can change with it. To modify custody, the court generally has to find a change in circumstances and that the modification serves the child’s best interest. We handle modifications for relocation, changes in work schedules, safety concerns and children’s changing needs, and we enforce orders when the other parent isn’t following them.

• Personal attention: You work directly with your attorney, not a revolving door of staff.

• Accessible counsel: We return your calls and keep you informed at every stage.

• Prepared advocacy: We negotiate when it serves your family and fight in court when it doesn’t.

• Statewide reach: We serve clients in all 88 Ohio counties.