Columbus Child Custody Attorney

Looking Out for Your Children in Franklin County, Ohio - Call (614) 756-2827.

Entire families are affected by divorce or the breakup of a relationship. Still, children may be most at risk for long-lasting emotional and psychological consequences. For this and many other reasons, Ohio courts require that child custody decisions be made in the child's best interests.

The courts in Columbus operate on this underlying guideline and on the idea that a child does best when they have frequent and continuing contact with both parents in the wake of a divorce or separation. At Boller & Petty, LLC, our child custody lawyers also strongly believe in the best-interest standard. Therefore, all of our custody lawyers serving Columbus, OH, focus on meeting our clients' needs while ensuring that divorce has a minimal impact on the children.

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Since we deal with divorce and child custody cases on a daily basis, we are deeply familiar with Ohio law and how the local courts operate on this matter. Our custody lawyers work hard to achieve a child custody and parenting plan that you and your spouse can agree upon without resorting to litigation; however, should it be necessary, we are prepared to represent you in trial when an agreement cannot be mutually set.

Need help with child custody and parenting plans? Turn to an experienced child custody lawyer in Columbus at (614) 756-2827 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.

How Does Child Custody Work in Ohio?

When possible, courts in OH, prefer to keep both parents actively involved in their child's lives. In many states, this is referred to as joint custody. In Ohio, it is called shared parenting. It is a philosophy that says you and your spouse will work cooperatively to care for and to make decisions regarding your child.

These decisions may affect major aspects of your child’s life, such as:

• Healthcare
• Education
• Religious upbringing
• And more

This can also include other life activities and such matters as:

• Vacations
• Holidays
• And more

The details of your child-rearing arrangement will be put into the document known as the parenting plan. Although some flexibility is needed, parenting plans can and should be very specific.

What Do Parenting Plans Consist Of in Columbus?

Parenting plans can include:

• Which parent the child will stay with and when they will stay at each home (in Ohio, visitation is referred to as parenting time)
• Where the children will attend school
• The expenses that each parent will cover, such as those involving school, medical and dental costs, clothing, extra-curricular activities, and more
• A schedule of where children will spend certain holidays
• Important child-rearing policies, such as those regarding religious indoctrination, education practices, and more

• How future decisions will be made and how parental disagreements will be resolved

The more detailed parenting plans are made, the lower the risk that future issues or disagreements will require court intervention.

Contested Child Custody

Negotiating a parenting plan with your spouse may not be an enjoyable experience but it usually gives you the most control over the outcome. If you and your spouse cannot agree on a plan, the court will generally not mandate shared parenting. Instead, one parent will usually be awarded custody.

Is Ohio a Mother or Father State?

Ohio does not simply favor a mother or father in a child custody case. The law does not show any gender bias, as the judge must solely protect and ensure the best interests of the child.

Obviously, this a gamble, which is why many divorcing couples prefer to compromise by working out a shared parenting plan. Shared parenting does not automatically mean a 50-50 parenting time division between parents. Many factors will be considered by the courts in determining what is best for the child.

What Does the Court Consider When Determining Custody?

Factors that the court in Columbus may consider when deciding the issue of child custody and parenting can include:

• The mental and physical health of all parties involved
• How the child has adjusted to his or her current home environment, school, local friends, and other local relationships and activities, and how a disruption of this could affect his or her wellbeing
• The child’s current relationship with each parent, siblings, and other household members who may play a significant role in his or her life
• Each parent’s wishes in regards to the matter
• The child’s preference if he or she is old enough to have a valid opinion
• The age of the child
• How amenable each parent is to helping the child maintain an ongoing relationship with the other parent
• The criminal record of either parent especially as related to domestic violence, child abuse, or substance abuse
• Whether child support payments have been consistently made according to law
• Whether either parent has tried to limit or deny the other’s parenting time
• Any other matter that would affect custody and parenting plans

Creating a Stable and Supportive Environment for Your Children

At Boller & Petty, LLC, we understand that the well-being of your children is your top priority during a child custody case. Our experienced Columbus child custody attorneys are dedicated to helping you create a stable and supportive environment for your children.

When determining child custody arrangements, the court takes into consideration various factors, including:

• The child's age and needs
• The child's relationship with each parent
• The ability of each parent to provide a safe and nurturing environment
• The willingness of each parent to foster a positive co-parenting relationship
• The child's preference, if they are old enough to express it

Our skilled attorneys will work closely with you to understand your unique situation and develop a comprehensive parenting plan that addresses your children's specific needs. We will advocate for your rights and ensure that your voice is heard throughout the custody process.

By choosing Boller & Petty, LLC, you can have peace of mind knowing that your children's best interests are our top priority. Contact our Columbus family lawyers today to schedule a consultation and discuss your child custody case.

How Our Columbus Family Lawyers Can Help

The family law lawyers at Boller & Petty, LLC, have extensive knowledge of and legal experience with Ohio's custody laws and court practices. With valuable guidance and advice, our custody lawyers will help you seek an outcome that is in your and your children's best interests.

At Boller & Petty, LLC, our child custody lawyers have a proven track record of experience and success. We handle each custody case with the respect, responsiveness, and accountability it deserves. Our child custody lawyers in Columbus don’t see you as just another custody case – you’re a person facing a unique situation that demands personalized attention. Our mission is based on the values we hold true today: integrity, service, and excellence. You can trust us to handle all of the legal aspects of your custody case, removing this burden from you during an already overwhelming time in your life.

Call our Columbus family law lawyers at (614) 756-2827 or contact us online to learn more and find out how we can affordably represent you in any child custody matter.