Parental Rights

Columbus, OH Parental Rights Lawyer

Serving Clients Throughout Central Ohio

Parental rights in Ohio, like in many other states, encompass a range of legal and custodial considerations aimed at ensuring that both parents have equal opportunities to participate in their children's lives. In Ohio, parents have the right to seek custody and parenting time arrangements that are in the best interests of their children, regardless of their marital status.

They can pursue joint custody or parenting time schedules that allow them to maintain meaningful relationships with their children. 

Ohio law also acknowledges a parent's right to be informed and involved in important decisions affecting their child's upbringing, such as education, healthcare, and religious upbringing.

Contact us online to schedule an appointment with a Columbus, OH parental rights lawyer.

Parental Rights in Ohio

In Ohio, there is no presumption of custody based on gender. Courts will award custody based on the best interests of the child. Courts will consider all factors when making this determination, including:

  • Each parent's ability to perform the functions necessary for the child's care and development
  • The child's needs
  • The child's interaction and relationship with each parent
  • Each parent's physical and mental health
  • Each parent's ability to provide for the child's needs, including food, clothing, and shelter
  • Each parent's ability to provide the child with a stable, safe, and nonviolent environment
  • Each parent's ability to allow the child frequent and continuing contact with the other parent, unless it would not be in the child's best interest
  • Each parent's plans for the child's future

The court will place a high priority on the child's relationship with both parents and will attempt to preserve the child's relationship with both parents whenever possible. If the parents can work together cooperatively and reach an agreement, the court will likely grant their custody arrangement. However, if the parents cannot agree, the court will hold a hearing to determine custody.

Protect Your Rights as a Parent

As a parent, it's important to know and protect your rights when it comes to family law matters. Whether you're facing a divorce, custody battle, or child support issue, our experienced Columbus, OH parental rights lawyer is here to advocate for you and ensure that your rights are upheld throughout the legal process.

At Richard L. Morris Co., L.P.A, we understand the unique challenges that parents may face in family law cases. We are dedicated to providing personalized and aggressive representation to help you achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

Our parental rights services include:

  • Legal guidance for custody and parenting time rights
  • Representation in child support negotiations and disputes
  • Defense against false allegations
  • Support in navigating the complexities of family law

Don't let your rights as a parent be overlooked. Contact us today for a consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help protect your rights and the best interests of your children.

Contact Us for a Consultation

Parents have many rights in divorce. It is important to hire an attorney who understands those rights and can help you protect them. Attorney Richard L. Morris has represented many parents and has helped them achieve their goals in divorce. If you need help protecting your rights as a parent, contact our firm for an initial consultation.

Contact us online to schedule an appointment with a Columbus, OH parental rights attorney.

Commonly Asked Questions

How is custody determined in Ohio if parents cannot agree?

If parents cannot come to an agreement on custody, Ohio courts will make the determination based on what is in the best interests of the child. Factors considered include the child’s relationship with each parent, the ability of each parent to provide a safe and stable environment, the parents' physical and mental health, and each parent's willingness to facilitate a relationship between the child and the other parent. There is no automatic presumption of custody based on gender.

Can both parents have shared parenting in Ohio?

Yes, Ohio courts often favor shared parenting when it is in the best interest of the child. Joint custody allows both parents to share decision-making responsibilities regarding the child's welfare. The court will encourage parents to collaborate on key decisions such as education, healthcare, and religious upbringing. Shared parenting arrangements also typically allow the child to spend substantial time with both parents.

What rights do unmarried parents have in Ohio?

Unmarried parents in Ohio have the same rights as married parents to seek custody, parenting time, and decision-making authority over their child. However, unmarried fathers must first establish paternity to gain these rights. Once paternity is confirmed, the father can pursue custody and parenting time arrangements and participate in important decisions regarding the child's upbringing.

What should I do if my parental rights are being challenged?

If your parental rights are being challenged, it’s important to seek legal guidance immediately. Whether facing a custody dispute, child support issue, a family law attorney can help defend your rights and ensure that your role in your child’s life is preserved. Legal representation can also assist in negotiating agreements that are in the best interests of both the parent and the child.

Helpful Resources

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  • “Extremely great lawyer!!! He will take care of your issues!!!”
    I used him 12 years ago when I was going through a nasty custody case with my narcissistic child’s father. Richard knows his stuff and protects his clients!!!! Thank you so much!!!!
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