Ohio Paternity & Custody Services

Establishing Paternity in Ohio

Paternity can be established by signing an Acknowledgment of Paternity at the hospital or later, through the county Child Support Enforcement Agency (CSEA) with genetic testing, or by court order. Establishing paternity gives a child rights to support, inheritance, and benefits, and gives the father standing to seek custody and parenting time.

Custody for Unmarried Parents

When parents are not married, Ohio law initially recognizes the mother as the sole residential parent and legal custodian until a court orders otherwise. Custody, parenting time, and support for never-married parents are decided in the county Juvenile Court — a different division from the Domestic Relations Court that handles divorce.

How Gavvl Law Helps

We help mothers and fathers establish paternity, secure parenting time, and obtain or respond to custody and support orders in juvenile court, statewide, with transparent pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I establish paternity in Ohio?

Paternity can be established by signing an Acknowledgment of Paternity, through the county Child Support Enforcement Agency with genetic testing, or by a court order. Once established, the father gains the right to seek custody and parenting time.

Who has custody of a child born to unmarried parents in Ohio?

Until a court orders otherwise, Ohio law recognizes the mother as the sole residential parent and legal custodian of a child born out of wedlock. The father must establish paternity and seek a custody or parenting-time order.

Where do unmarried parents file for custody in Ohio?

Custody, parenting time, and child support for never-married parents are handled in the county Juvenile Court, which is separate from the Domestic Relations Court that hears divorce cases.