Franklin County Child Custody Attorneys

Reviewed by Stephanie Green · Managing Partner & Co-Founder · Last updated May 26, 2026

Franklin County, Ohio · Columbus

In Ohio, "custody" means the allocation of parental rights and responsibilities. Where you file depends on whether the parents were married: Domestic Relations at 373 South High Street for married/divorcing parents, Juvenile Branch at 399 South Front Street for never-married parents. The court decides using the R.C. 3109.04(F) best-interest factors.

Hire Gavvl for your Franklin County custody case

Flat-fee and full-representation options: we handle the filings, the Franklin County local forms, the court strategy, and the hearings — and you know the price before we start.

Start with a $25 consultation and talk through your options with an Ohio family-law attorney before you commit to anything. Get started online or see payment plans & financing.

How do I file for custody in Franklin County, Ohio?

If you are married or divorcing, custody is decided inside your divorce, dissolution, legal separation, or annulment in the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, Division of Domestic Relations at 373 South High Street, Columbus. If you were never married to the other parent, file a Complaint for Allocation of Parental Rights & Responsibilities (typically with a paternity complaint if paternity has not been established) at the Franklin County Juvenile Branch at 399 South Front Street. The court applies the R.C. 3109.04(F) best-interest factors and can designate one parent as residential parent and legal custodian, or order shared parenting.

Hire Gavvl Law for your Franklin County custody case

Custody in Franklin County isn't filed in one place — it splits between the Division of Domestic Relations at 373 South High Street for married or divorcing parents and the Juvenile Branch at 399 South Front Street for parents who were never married. File in the wrong building and you lose weeks. Gavvl Law takes your case either as a flat-fee filing package, where we draft and file the correct complaint or motion for your court, or as full representation, where an Ohio attorney argues the R.C. 3109.04(F) best-interest factors for you all the way through the final hearing.

We file in the correct Columbus court the first time. Married and divorcing parents belong in Domestic Relations; never-married parents — and grandparent or non-parent requests — belong in the Juvenile Branch. We confirm your track before filing and pair a paternity complaint with the custody complaint when the legal father hasn't been established, so your case isn't kicked back at intake.
We build the best-interest record the court actually weighs. Franklin magistrates decide on the R.C. 3109.04(F) factors and can appoint a Guardian ad Litem in a contested case, with the GAL fee split between the parents. We prepare your parenting-time proposal, your evidence, and a shared-parenting plan that meets R.C. 3109.04(G) so the GAL and the magistrate see a plan built around your children.
Flat fee or retainer — you choose before you pay. If you mainly need the paperwork filed correctly, a flat fee gets it done at a price you see up front. If the other parent is contesting or a GAL is appointed, full representation on a retainer keeps an attorney in the room for every pretrial and the final hearing.

Every Franklin County case with minor children requires both parents to finish the 'TAPP – Putting the Children First' class and file the Certificate before the final hearing, and the magistrate's decision leaves only 14 days to file Objections. We calendar both from day one so a missed class or a blown objection deadline never decides your parenting time.

Flat-fee options

Flat-fee limited scope: we draft and file the custody complaint or motion; you appear at any hearing.

Establish custody: $1,250
Modify custody: $1,450

Prefer full representation? An Ohio attorney can carry the entire case on a $3,500 retainer.

Split any flat fee with Gavvl Direct — our in-house plan at 19% APR, $500 minimum — on a 60%-down schedule of 18 weekly, 8 bi-weekly, or 4 monthly payments, or full financing where work begins once 60% is paid. Affirm, Klarna, and PayPal Pay Later are also available through LawPay.

Start your custody case or see payment plans & financing.

Ohio Custody by the Numbers

Best interest The single standard that governs every Ohio custody decision Source: Ohio Revised Code § 3109.04
No set age There is no age a child can choose a parent — the judge weighs a mature child's wishes Source: Ohio Revised Code § 3109.04(B)
Change in circumstances Required, plus a best-interest finding, before the residential parent can be changed Source: Ohio Revised Code § 3109.04(E)(1)
Shared parenting Either parent may ask the court for a joint parenting plan Source: Ohio Revised Code § 3109.04(G)

Compare Types of Custody in Ohio

Custody type	Who makes major decisions	Where the child lives	Best when
Shared parenting	Both parents jointly, under a written plan	Time is split per the plan (not always 50/50)	Parents can communicate and cooperate on decisions
Sole legal & residential	One parent	Primarily with that parent	One parent is unable or unwilling to co-parent
Split custody	Each parent for the child in their care	Siblings are divided between the two homes	Rare — only when it serves each child's best interest
Legal custody to a non-parent	The relative or caregiver granted custody	With the non-parent caregiver	Neither parent can safely care for the child

Where to File: Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, Division of Domestic Relations

373 South High Street, 4th Floor, Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: (614) 525-4410
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Website: Court website
e-Filing: Online e-filing portal

Juvenile Branch (Never-Married Parents)

Franklin County Court of Common Pleas — Juvenile Branch
399 South Front Street, Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: (614) 525-4411
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Custody is the right path if…

You need a court order for who the children live with, who makes the major decisions, and the parenting time schedule.
You and the other parent can't agree, or you need a court order in writing to enforce.
You need to relocate, your co-parent does, or your existing schedule is no longer working.
Ohio is the children's 'home state' under the UCCJEA — generally, they've lived in Ohio for the last 6 months.

Filing Fees

~$100-$150 Juvenile deposit · Custody inside a divorce is included in the divorce deposit

Forms & Filing Packets

Domestic Relations packet (married or divorcing parents)

If you're filing for divorce, dissolution, legal separation, or annulment, custody is allocated inside that case. Add these to your filing packet.

Parenting Proceeding Affidavit (UCCJEA · R.C. 3127.23) — Lists where each child has lived for the last 5 years and with whom. Confirms Ohio's jurisdiction over custody.
Health Insurance Affidavit — Discloses whether health insurance is available for the children through either parent's employer.
Ohio Child Support Computation Worksheet — Run the official Ohio 2024 Income Shares calculator, print, and sign. Required any time you're asking the court to set support.
IV-D Application for Child Support Services — Opens your case with Franklin County CSEA so support can be collected, tracked, and enforced through wage withholding.

Juvenile Branch packet (never-married parents)

File at 399 South Front Street. Pair with a paternity complaint if the legal father has not been established.

Complaint for Allocation of Parental Rights & Responsibilities — Asks the Franklin Juvenile Branch to designate a residential parent and legal custodian and set a parenting time schedule when parents were never married.
Parenting Proceeding Affidavit (UCCJEA · R.C. 3127.23) — Lists where each child has lived for the last 5 years and with whom. Confirms Ohio's jurisdiction over custody.
Health Insurance Affidavit — Discloses whether health insurance is available for the children through either parent's employer.
Ohio Child Support Computation Worksheet — Run the official Ohio 2024 Income Shares calculator, print, and sign. Required any time you're asking the court to set support.
IV-D Application for Child Support Services — Opens your case with Franklin County CSEA so support can be collected, tracked, and enforced through wage withholding.
Copy of your driver's license or state ID — Front and back. If e-filing, upload as PDF with your packet.

Shared parenting plan add-on

Required when asking the court to designate both parents as residential parents and legal custodians.

Shared Parenting Plan — Written plan that meets R.C. 3109.04(F)(2) factors: physical living arrangements, holiday and vacation schedule, decision-making, transportation, health and education, and dispute resolution.

How to File Custody in Franklin County

Confirm Ohio is the child's home state under the UCCJEA. Generally, the children must have lived in Ohio for the last 6 months. If they recently moved, the prior state may still have jurisdiction.
Pick the right court: DR or Juvenile. Married or divorcing parents → DR at 373 South High Street. Never-married parents → Juvenile Branch at 399 South Front Street. Grandparent or non-parent custody → Juvenile only.
Decide between sole and shared parenting. Sole = one parent is residential parent and legal custodian. Shared = both parents are residential parents and legal custodians under a written Shared Parenting Plan that meets R.C. 3109.04(G) factors.
File the complaint and the parenting and child-support paperwork. Parenting Proceeding Affidavit (UCCJEA), Health Insurance Affidavit, Child Support Worksheet, and IV-D Application are standard.
Complete the required parenting class and attend court. Pretrial conferences and (in contested cases) a GAL investigation precede the final hearing. The Magistrate issues a decision; either party has 14 days to file Objections.

Franklin County Practice Notes

Best-interest standard governs. R.C. 3109.04(F)(1) lists 10+ factors: each parent's wishes, the child's wishes (when of sufficient age), the child's interaction with parents/siblings, adjustment to home/school/community, mental and physical health of all involved, the parent more likely to facilitate court-approved parenting time, child support compliance, criminal history, residence outside Ohio, and any history of abuse.
Guardian ad Litem in contested cases. In a contested custody case, Franklin courts can appoint a Guardian ad Litem to investigate and recommend a parenting plan in the child's best interest. GAL fees are allocated between the parents.
Parenting class required when minors involved. Both parents in any new case with minor children must complete "TAPP – Putting the Children First" and file the Certificate before the final hearing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the residency requirements to file in Franklin County?: For divorce, legal separation, or annulment, you or your spouse must have been an Ohio resident for at least 6 months immediately before filing, and a Franklin County resident for at least 90 days. For dissolution, only the 6-month Ohio residency applies — there is no separate Franklin County residency requirement. For juvenile-branch cases (paternity, never-married custody, child support), Ohio must be the children's 'home state' under the UCCJEA, which generally means the children have lived in Ohio for the last 6 months.
How much does it cost to file in Franklin County DR?: Approximate deposits: divorce or legal separation $300 without children / $350 with children; dissolution $250 without children / $300 with children; annulment $300/$350. Juvenile Branch filings for custody or support under ORC 2151.233 (paternity, never-married custody, child support, and modifications) are $175. Confirm current amounts with the Clerk at 373 South High Street (DR) or 399 South Front Street (Juvenile) before filing.
How long does the case usually take?: Dissolution: 30-90 days from filing to the final hearing. Uncontested divorce or legal separation: 4-6 months. Contested divorce: 6-18 months depending on temporary-orders activity and the Magistrate's calendar. Paternity: 60-120 days if uncontested, longer if genetic testing or contested allocation is involved. Civil Protection Orders: ex parte order the same day; full hearing within 7-10 days; final order can last up to 5 years.
Can I e-file in Franklin County?: Yes. Domestic Relations filings go through drj.fccourts.org/efiling — attorneys must e-file unless excepted, and self-represented parties may e-file or file in person at 373 South High Street. The Juvenile Branch at 399 South Front Street accepts in-person filings; some Juvenile filings can be submitted electronically — call (614) 525-4411 to confirm before filing.
Is the parenting class really required?: Yes — under R.C. 3109.053 and Franklin DR local rule, both parents in any divorce, dissolution, legal separation, or annulment involving minor children must complete "TAPP – Putting the Children First" and file the Certificate of Completion before the final hearing. Confirm the current fee and format with the court. The Juvenile Branch has a comparable requirement for never-married custody cases.
How do I know whether to file in DR or the Juvenile Branch?: If you are married to the other parent (or the parties were married when the children were born), custody, parenting time, and child support travel with the divorce / dissolution / legal separation / annulment in DR at 373 South High Street. If you were never married, paternity and custody go to the Juvenile Branch at 399 South Front Street. Grandparent / non-parent custody is always Juvenile. Civil Protection Orders against a current/former intimate partner or family member go to DR.
Will my case be heard by a Judge or a Magistrate?: Most pretrial conferences, temporary-orders motions, and even contested final hearings in Franklin DR are heard by a Magistrate. The Magistrate issues a Magistrate's Decision; either party then has 14 days to file Objections, which are decided by the assigned Judge. Civil Protection Order full hearings are heard directly by the assigned Judge.
When can I modify a parenting or support order?: For custody / residential-parent designation under R.C. 3109.04(E), you must show a change of circumstances of the child or residential parent since the prior decree, and that modification is in the child's best interest, and that the harm of changing is outweighed by the benefits. For child support, you can request a CSEA administrative review every 36 months, or earlier on a 10%+ deviation. For parenting time, the bar is lower — best-interest only.
Is mediation required?: Franklin DR strongly encourages mediation in any case involving children. Court-connected parenting mediation is available at no cost in many cases. The Magistrate can order mediation at any pretrial conference. Mediation is not required, and not appropriate, in CPO cases involving domestic violence.

Free Local Resources in Franklin County

Franklin County DR Self-Help Resource Center. 373 South High Street. Forms, computer terminals, limited procedural help. Cannot give legal advice. Mon–Fri during court hours.
Legal Aid Society of Columbus. (614) 241-2001. Income-qualified family law representation and advice clinics across central Ohio.
Columbus Bar Lawyer Referral Service. (614) 221-0754. Paid 30-minute consultation referrals to vetted Franklin County family-law attorneys.
Franklin County CSEA (Child Support Enforcement Agency). (614) 525-3275. Opens IV-D cases and collects/distributes child support through wage withholding.
Franklin County Juvenile Branch Help Center. 399 South Front Street. Procedural help for self-represented filers on never-married custody, paternity, and support cases.

Related to your custody case

Paternity & Custody — Establish parentage and build a parenting plan that protects your children.
Child Support — Calculate, establish, or modify support under Ohio's guidelines.
Post-Decree Modification — Update custody, support, or parenting orders after your case ends.

Related guides

In-depth, attorney-written guides on custody and related Ohio family law topics.

Ohio Child Custody Laws: What Every Parent Should Know — Ohio custody law turns on one principle: the best interest of the child. This guide explains sole custody, shared parenting, the statutory factors, and how courts decide.
Shared Parenting in Ohio: How Joint Custody Really Works — Shared parenting is Ohio's version of joint custody — both parents stay legal custodians and share major decisions. Here's what a plan must cover and how courts decide.
Fathers' Rights in Ohio: Custody, Paternity, and Parenting Time — Ohio law does not favor mothers over fathers — but unmarried fathers must establish paternity before they have any rights. Here's how fathers protect their relationship with their children.
Emergency Custody in Ohio: When and How to Get an Ex Parte Order — When a child faces immediate danger, Ohio courts can grant emergency custody on short notice through an ex parte order. Here's what qualifies and what happens next.

Continue your Franklin County research

Ohio Custody guide — Statewide overview of custody in Ohio.
Columbus family law — Local attorneys and courts serving the Columbus metro.
Franklin County family law guide — Court info, local filing notes, FAQs, and the downloadable Franklin County guide.
Meet Stephanie Green — Managing Partner & Co-Founder at Gavvl Law.
Payment plans & financing — Flat fees with Gavvl Direct, Affirm, Klarna, or PayPal Pay Later.

Call (380) 205-3899 or email support@gavvl.com.