Child Custody Attorneys in Columbus, Ohio
At The Nigh Law Group, our attorneys are experienced custody lawyers with decades of experience helping parents in Columbus and across Ohio develop parenting plans that satisfy the requirements of both parents and, most importantly, are best for the children. We also have experience representing grandparents and other relatives in custody litigation.
Why Choose Us? We Prioritize The Best Interests Of Your Children
Committed to resolving custody and visitation disputes in the best interests of the children involved, we encourage our clients to be realistic when they approach visitation and custody decisions. Our attorneys are also staunch advocates for the rights of our clients.
Whether our clients are entitled to sole custody, shared parenting, or visitation rights, they can depend on our experienced lawyers to fight to protect the relationship they deserve to have with their children. Clients and fellow attorneys have come to respect our law firm for the compassion and sympathy we have for our clients dealing with child custody matters.
We understand how important it is to preserve the private nature of child custody matters and for clients to have a custody attorney they can trust with these issues. We also recognize that family dynamics can evolve over time, and we are here to help navigate modifications to existing custody agreements if circumstances change.
How Ohio Courts Determine Child Custody Matters
Under Ohio Revised Code Section 3109.04, every custody decision is built around one standard: the best interests of the child. Judges must consider a variety of factors, such as:
- What each parent wants for the child’s care
- The child’s relationships with each parent, siblings, and other important people in their life
- How the child has adjusted to their home, school, and community
- The overall health and well-being of the child and each parent
- Whether each parent has respected the other’s court-approved parenting time
- Any history of child abuse, neglect, or domestic violence by either parent or anyone in their household
- Whether either parent plans to move out of Ohio
Courts cannot award one parent more custody rights simply because they earn more money or have greater financial resources. It can also order a background investigation on each parent if necessary, including medical or psychological evaluations. The judge can speak privately with the child if either parent requests it.
If shared parenting is proposed, the court will consider additional factors such as how well the parents work together, whether each encourages the child’s bond with the other, and how far apart the households are. No matter the arrangement, the child’s best interests remain the deciding factor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Child Custody In Ohio
What are the different ways to resolve child-related issues?
Do I need an attorney to help me resolve matters involving children?
What is the difference between legal custody and physical custody in Ohio?
Legal custody is the authority to make major decisions about a child’s life, including schooling, medical care, and other core aspects of their upbringing. Physical custody refers to where the child lives and who provides their daily care. Put simply, legal custody governs decision-making, and physical custody governs living arrangements.
In a sole custody arrangement, one parent holds both. That parent becomes the primary caregiver and decision-maker, while the other receives a court-ordered parenting time schedule. In a shared parenting arrangement, both parents share legal custody and both are recognized as residential parents. There will be a court-approved parenting plan dividing the child’s time between them.
What role does a child's preference play in Ohio custody cases?
What is supervised parenting time and when is it ordered in Ohio?
Consult With a Columbus Child Custody Attorney Today
Do not handle child custody matters alone. Our experienced attorneys can help you understand how to keep your children’s best interests at the forefront of your decision making. Reach out to us via phone at 614-379-6444 or through our online contact form. Our legal team at The Nigh Law Group is here to guide you through this challenging period.