Gavvl Law, LLC makes resolving child custody straightforward and more accessible. Our experienced and local family law attorneys in Ohio offer personalized support tailored to your needs, budget, and location, ensuring transparency, convenience, and affordability.
We provide a wide range of legal services regarding child custody laws in Ohio, including:
Child custody arrangements may need to be modified due to significant changes in circumstances, such as relocation, a parent’s job change, or the child’s needs.
Ohio courts will consider modifications if they are in the child’s best interests. Our firm can help you modify an existing custody order in the best interests of your child.
Under Ohio Revised Code Section 3109.03, fathers have equal parental rights to seek custody or visitation of their children. We advocate for fathers’ involvement in their children’s lives and help secure fair custody and visitation arrangements.
Ohio law allows grandparents to seek visitation or custody under certain circumstances, such as the death of a parent or divorce. We understand the complexities of grandparent custody and visitation rights and can help protect your relationship with your grandchildren.
Ohio law automatically grants sole custody to the mother when the parents are unmarried. Legal paternity must be established before a father can pursue custody or visitation rights.
Our firm guides the unmarried through the legal process to help create a stable environment for your child.
More: Child Custody for Unmarried Parents in Ohio
Ohio courts can grant emergency or temporary custody orders to protect a child’s immediate well-being. We can help you obtain emergency or temporary custody to protect your child’s safety.
Ohio Revised Code Chapter 3109 covers the state’s child custody laws. These laws dictate custody decisions and the modification of custody orders in Ohio.
In Ohio, child custody is categorized into two types: parental rights and responsibilities (i.e. legal custody) and parenting time (also known as physical custody):
Custody can be awarded solely to one parent (sole custody) or shared between both parents (joint custody), depending on the child’s best interests. Ohio courts prefer shared parenting when possible, promoting both parents’ involvement.
Shared parenting agreements in Ohio are defined under Revised Code Section 3109.04. Shared parenting refers to legal agreements that outline how divorced or separated parents will share the responsibilities of raising their children.
These plans typically detail decision-making authority and parenting time. In a shared parenting arrangement, both parents have equal rights and responsibilities regarding major child welfare decisions.
Shared parenting plans are flexible and can be tailored to fit the unique needs of each family. They must also be approved by the court to ensure they serve the child’s best interests.
A shared parenting plan must include a schedule for where the child will spend holidays and other special occasions and where they will live, go to school, and receive medical care. To minimize conflicts later on, a more comprehensive parenting agreement can address issues such as:
For more guidance on planning for parenting time, you can refer to this helpful online guide published by the Ohio Supreme Court.
Ohio courts prioritize the best interests of the child when making custody decisions. If parents can’t agree, the court will decide based on factors such as:
If the child is mature enough, their wishes may also be considered.
Child custody agreements can be modified if circumstances change, such as a parent’s relocation, job change, or changes in the child’s needs.
To modify custody, a parent must file a motion with the court and demonstrate that the change is in the child’s best interests. The court will review the new circumstances and decide whether to approve the modification.
Have Questions About Child Custody?
The first step is to schedule a consultation with our team at Gavvl. This meeting will help us understand your concerns and develop a clear plan to move forward. We’re here to support you. Gavvl serves clients across Ohio, including in Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland.
Or call 513-717-3083
The court considers the child’s wishes if they’re mature enough to express a reasonable preference but are not bound by what the child wants. This is typically around age 14-16 but varies case by case.
No, Ohio courts do not favor one parent over the other based on gender. Custody decisions are made based on the child’s best interests, with equal consideration for both parents.
Relocating with a child to another state typically requires court approval. When deciding, the court will consider factors such as the reason for the move and the impact on the child’s relationship with the non-custodial parent.
Yes, an Ohio judge can order supervised visits if there are concerns about a parent’s ability to care for the child safely, such as in cases of substance abuse or domestic violence.
No parenting time is rare and typically only ordered if contact with the parent would endanger the child’s physical or emotional well-being.
Ohio uses a formula that considers both parents’ incomes and the number of overnights each parent has with the child. You can calculate estimated support obligations using the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services tool.
Gavvl streamlines child custody issues in Ohio. We start with a quick phone call or online form and offer a free 30-minute consultation with a Gavvl team member to understand your needs.
We’ll then create a customized legal plan and assemble a team based on your situation, location, and urgency. Additionally, we provide 24/7 access to your case, easy communication with your lawyer, and the option to pay only for the services you need.
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We’re here to support you through every step of your family legal matter. The best way to move on in Ohio – Get Gavvl.
Or give us a call at 513-717-3083
