Our Cleveland Child Custody Lawyers Help With

  • Custody Agreements – Develop a parenting plan that works for your entire family.
  • Modifying Custody – If circumstances have changed, a modification may be necessary.
  • Visitation – Non-custodial parents have rights and obligations related to custody.
  • Enforcement – Deal with violations of custody orders.
  • Relocation – Understand the implications of moving with a child and custody orders.
  • Grandparent Custody – Grandparents often obtain rights and responsibilities as well.
  • Custody for Unmarried Parents – Both parents have rights and responsibilities in Ohio.
  • Custody Mediation – Resolve custody disputes without going into a courtroom.

Gavvl Does Child Custody Differently

Gavvl makes solving child custody issues in Cleveland, Ohio easier and more affordable. We use modern technology and a model that focuses on clients to provide top-notch legal advice tailored to your needs – free from stress and financial worry.

With local experience from a Cleveland family lawyer selected for your unique situation, discover a better way to handle child custody in Cleveland.

Child Custody in Cleveland, Ohio

Several factors can affect your child custody efforts in Ohio, and local nuances in and around Cuyahoga County can create complications if you are not prepared. Here’s a guide to help you secure child custody in the Cleveland area.

Establish Legal & Physical Custody

Determining child custody requires you to understand the various types, including legal and physical (as well as joint, sole, shared, and divided). You also need to be aware of the factors that affect custody decisions. The court will always do what is in the best interests of the child.

Confirm Paternity

It’s important to establish paternity for a father who wants custody or visitation rights. This process will legally identify the biological child of the father. It may be done through voluntary acknowledgment or DNA testing to get a court order if there is a dispute.

Modifying Custody Orders

Modifying a child custody arrangement can be a complex process. It typically requires demonstrating a significant change in circumstances since the original custody order was issued so that a new arrangement is in the child’s best interests.

Create a Parenting Plan

A parenting plan is an important document that outlines how parents will share the responsibilities of raising their children after a separation or divorce in Cleveland. It covers everything from custody arrangements to decision-making responsibilities.

Custody for Unmarried Parents

Child custody arrangements for unmarried parents can be more complex than for married couples. It’s important to establish paternity and equal rights for both parents. The court’s primary concern will be the child’s best interests.

Grandparents’ Rights

Grandparents’ rights to custody or visitation of their grandchildren can be a contentious matter, especially if they played a large role in the lives of the children. The court will work to do what is best for the children in all circumstances.

Custody Enforcement

Enforcing a child custody order can be a challenging process, but it’s essential to protect your parental rights and the well-being of your child. You need to document everything and have open communication with the other parent.

Child Custody Hearings

A child custody hearing may take place to establish, modify, or otherwise deal with custody issues. At the hearing, each party will have an opportunity to present information about what they feel is the best situation for the children.

Cleveland Child Custody Court & Resources

The Cuyahoga County Court of Domestic Relations handles most child custody matters in Cleveland, Ohio. Your child custody attorney can file a new case or open an existing one to make modifications to your child custody orders.

Child Custody Forms

The Ohio Supreme Court provides several standard forms and templates for child custody cases.

Cleveland Child Custody FAQs

How is Child Custody Determined in Cleveland?

Courts typically base child custody decisions on the best interests of the child. However, some specific factors include the child’s age and maturity, relationship with each parent, and wishes and preferences. The court will also consider each parents’ ability to provide a safe, stable, and nurturing home environment.

Do Fathers Have Custody Rights?  

The landscape of father’s rights has evolved significantly in recent years. Fathers now have more legal avenues to protect their parental rights and responsibilities. Fathers have equal standing to mothers in child custody cases in Ohio. There is a presumption of shared parenting. If split custody is not possible, fathers have a right to visitation unless there is exigent circumstances as to why they should not see the children.

What’s the Difference Between Legal and Physical Custody?

Legal custody refers to the right to make major decisions about a child’s life, including education, healthcare, religion, and extracurricular activities. Physical custody refers to where the child primarily lives and the amount of time the child spends with each parent.

What is Emergency Custody?

Also called ex parte orders, these custody orders rule that one parent should have sole custody of a child. They are ordered in emergencies, like if the child has been abandoned by a parent or if they’re in danger because of a parent’s substance abuse. These orders can be temporary and lead to more permanent custody arrangements.

Can Custody Change if I Move Out of State?

Relocating out of state typically requires modifying your custody agreement, especially if the move affects your current arrangement. Ohio courts will consider whether the move serves the best interests of the child before approving any modifications.

How Do I Connect with a Child Custody Lawyer?

After your initial consultation with a Cleveland child custody attorney, you’ll get a clear quote for their services and can discuss payment options if needed. Once you pay the invoice, you’ll quickly receive a Client Agreement to sign online. Your child custody attorney will contact you soon after to start working on your case.

Throughout the process, Gavvl provides thorough support and real-time updates, so you’ll always stay informed and confident.

Our child custody attorneys serve clients throughout Northeast Ohio, including:

  • Ashland County, OH
  • Ashtabula County, OH
  • Carroll County, OH
  • Columbiana County, OH
  • Cuyahoga County, OH
  • Geauga County, OH
  • Lake County, OH
  • Lorain County, OH
  • Mahoning County, OH
  • Medina County, OH
  • Portage County, OH
  • Richland County, OH
  • Stark County, OH
  • Summit County, OH
  • Trumble County, OH
  • Wayne County, OH

more blogs by gavvl

view all