A child custody battle is one of the most emotional and stressful aspects of a divorce. Your children are important to you, and you need an experienced attorney on your side who can guide you through the legal process of determining where your children will live and when you will see them. A Cincinnati child custody lawyer in Ohio can help you create a parenting plan that will best fit your needs and the best interests of your children.
Custody is the right to make decisions concerning major aspects of a child’s life, such as residence, education, medical care, religious training, and extracurricular activities. In Ohio, there are several forms of custody: sole physical custody, joint legal custody, and shared custody (formerly called “joint time”). Your Cincinnati lawyer can explain the different types of custody and help you choose the best option for your situation.
When making custody decisions, judges look at many factors including the relationship between the parent and the child (incl. the quality of that bond), the history of parental misconduct, any existing child abuse or neglect, and each parent’s current lifestyle and work schedule. Courts also consider whether a parent’s actions or lifestyle could negatively impact the child’s psychological, physical, or moral development. A judge may appoint an expert such as a custody evaluator or therapist to assist in the evaluation process.
The wishes of the child are also considered, but only if the court feels that they are mature enough to have a valid opinion. For example, a 17 year-old girl who wants to remain with her aunt and uncle will probably be granted their request, but only because the court believes that they have developed an independent and mature perspective on the issue. However, if the courts believe that the preferences of the child are being influenced by either parent, they will not be considered as valid or may even be rejected.
Parents who cannot agree on a custody arrangement can get emergency temporary custody orders from the court. These orders are used when the safety and well-being of a child is in immediate danger, such as when a parent is abusing drugs or alcohol. The court can then place the child with a safe relative or guardian until it can make a permanent decision.
Once a custody order is in place, it is not always easy to change it. Our firm can help you modify an existing order when there have been significant changes in the circumstances of your family. Our firm also handles other areas of family law, such as spousal support and complex property division. Our goal is to provide compassionate, client-oriented service during a difficult time. Contact our firm today to speak with a Cincinnati family lawyer. We offer free, confidential consultations. You pay nothing upfront, and we will give you a fair quote before starting any work on your case. We also accept payment plans. If you have any questions or concerns about billing, please contact our office.