Columbus, OH Divorce Lawyer

However, if you and your spouse whom you share them with recently ended your marriage or are on the path to divorce, that relationship may be at risk. Even if you and your ex ended things amicably, they may have a different vision for the type of custody arrangement that should be in place than you do. In order to ensure that your child’s best interests are protected, it is crucial that you seek the aid of an experienced child custody attorney who can help put you in the best position to achieve the outcome you want in your custody matter. 

At Dailey Law Offices, we pride ourselves on our empathetic and personalized legal services, as well as our record of success for over a thousand families. Call today to schedule your free consultation with our Columbus child custody lawyer and learn more about how we can give you an advantage in your case. 

Legal And Physical Custody In Ohio

In Ohio, legal custody has traditionally been used to describe the parent who has the authority to make the important decisions in a child’s life, such as those regarding their education, medical care, religion, and more. Physical custody was used to describe the parent whom the child resided with for the majority of the time. As with many other states, Ohio is moving away from terms like these. 

Parental rights and responsibilities now refers to the authority to make child-related decisions, and may be shared by both parents or primarily assigned to one parent. Even if the parental rights and responsibilities are being shared, it does not necessarily mean that each parent will have an equal amount of parenting time (or visitation) with the child, or even an equal share in the decision-making. 

When one parent holds the majority of the rights and responsibilities, as well as the parenting time, they are the custodial parent of the child. Even non-custodial parents are entitled to parenting time, unless a judge determines it is not in the child’s best interest. 

Parenting Plans

Parenting plans are written plans that a couple submits to a judge at the time of their divorce which detail their proposed schedule for parenting time and how decisions that affect their child’s upbringing will be made. As long as the plan meets the child’s best interests, it is likely to be approved. Our skilled Columbus child custody lawyer can assist you in drafting the parenting plan you and your spouse agree on, or step in to mediate if you both cannot come to an agreement. The minimum requirements for the plan are:

• Living arrangements
• Child support obligations
• Medical and dental care
• School placement
• A schedule for holidays and other special occasions

Our Compassionate Columbus Child Custody Lawyer Will Help You Advocate For The Best Interests Of Your Children

As a family firm, we’ve seen the heartbreak that can arise when a case takes an unexpected turn. You might be under the impression that you and your ex are in agreement about everything to do with your children, but then be blindsided by their actions down the road. Having an attorney involved in your case from the beginning may give you a greater chance at anticipating challenges that may unfold and put you in a better position to overcome them. You should especially seek legal representation if:

• Your ex has hired legal representation
• Your ex accused you of being an “unfit” parent
• Your or your ex moved across state lines, putting your case in cross jurisdiction
• Your ex is attempting to prevent you from having access to your kids
• Your ex has a history of neglect or abuse

Contact Dailey Law Offices Today To Learn More

Our lead Columbus child custody lawyer, Stephanie Dailey, has over 18 years of experience, and is committed to fighting for your parental rights. We look forward to sitting down with you, getting to know you and your family, and strategizing a path forward to your goals. Call today to schedule your free consultation and learn more about how we can impact your case today.