The fact that parents may not live together doesn’t change their rights and responsibilities regarding care for their children. Custody and support are central in a divorce case, but these issues are also important after establishing paternity. Now that the terminology has changed to the allocation of parental rights and obligations, matters involving minor children are complicated. When you add emotion to complex legal issues, you can see why retaining an Ohio child custody lawyer is essential.
Our child custody attorneys at Kademenos, Wisehart, Hines, Dolyk & Wright Co. LPA have extensive experience in cases involving minor children. We also have the compassion to understand that these matters are very personal. You want the best for your child, and you can trust our legal team of Ohio family attorneys to fight for you to achieve a favorable outcome.
Please contact our office at (419) 625-7770, or reach out via our online form to schedule a consultation with a skilled child custody lawyer who focuses on these cases.
Overview of Child Custody Laws in Ohio
Regardless of whether child custody questions arise in a divorce or after establishing paternity, the key consideration under Ohio law is the child’s best interests. One of the first factors that courts look at is whether a shared parenting arrangement is appropriate, since it’s usually in the child’s best interests to have a relationship with both parents. Beyond this issue, additional factors include:
- The wishes of the parents
- The child’s wishes
- The child’s relationship with each parent, their siblings, and others in the residential environment
- The mental and physical health of each parent
Determining Custody
If the parties can agree on a parenting plan, a court will usually grant an order that complies with the best interests standard. When an agreement isn’t possible, the court will apply the above criteria to make a determination on child custody.
How to Get Custody of a Child
You must file a Motion for Child Custody in the county where you reside, along with a proposed parenting plan regarding the child. There’s more to the process than just filling out the forms, however. In your documents, you must demonstrate how you’re able to meet each of the factors involved with your son or daughter’s best interests.
With a legal issue as important as child custody, it’s critical to retain experienced representation. An Ohio child custody lawyer can explain the best interests standard, tell you more about how to file for custody, and will advocate on your behalf in court. Consult with us about your circumstances and child custody rights today. Contact today at (419) 625-7770.
Child Custody and Support
Both parents have an equal obligation to provide for their child’s financial needs, so support becomes an issue when they don’t live under the same roof. Child support is closely intertwined with custody, because it’s usually the parent with primary custody who receives payments from the other.
Determining Child Support
The amount of child support is determined by reviewing the respective incomes of the parents. Another consideration is how many other children the paying parent supports, so the dollar figure will decrease with more children. Child support is taken as a deduction from the payor’s wages instead of paying in person or through the mail.
Enforcement of Child Support Orders
There are serious consequences for violating child custody and support orders. If a parent fails to pay child support, the custodial parent may seek enforcement by requesting that the court find the payor in contempt of court. A judge may order fines and even jail time for violation of a child support order.
Legal Help from a Child Custody and Support Lawyer
Ohio experienced child custody lawyer will work with you to develop a strong legal strategy regarding your family matter. He takes a personalized approach to every case, so you can count on him to:
- Help you identify reasonable expectations and objectives
- Implement a plan to achieve these child support and custody goals
- Clarify the factors of the best interests standard and how they apply to your case
- Communicate with you often regarding updates
- Answer your questions and address your concerns
- Advise you on a parenting plan
- Represent your interests in court hearings
- Enforce child support orders
- Engage in other tasks as necessary to protect your child custody rights
To reach us at Kademenos, Wisehart, Hines, Dolyk & Wright Co. LPA, contact us at (419) 625-7770 right away.
