Child Custody

Child Custody Lawyers

Family Law • Parenting Plans • Child Support • Legal Guardian Rights • Non-Custodial Parent Rights

When courts in Ohio determine both child custody and child support, there are many factors that weigh into their decision. The root principle, however, is determining what would be in the child's best interests. Unless there is a risk of harm, it's always best for the child to have access to both parents - it's better for the child's development and it is more equitable to the parties.

If you're facing child custody proceedings for the first time or modifying a prior custody order, contact White & Fish, L.P.A., Inc. , today. We are a high-tech law office and with 50 years of combined experience. Our firm has been awarded an AV-Rating* by our peers through Martindale-Hubbell.

The family law attorneys of White & Fish, L.P.A., Inc. , can represent you to help make sure that your rights are respected and that you don't lose your chance to influence the growth of your children. We can also help you reach a negotiated solution through collaborative divorce .

Allocation of Parental Rights and Responsibilities

Determining the Children's Best Interest

While the child's best interest is the court's highest priority, it's not always easy to determine exactly what that is. First, the court considers what the parents want, and why they want it. They consider the child's interactions with parents, siblings, friends, teachers, and anybody who is in contact with the child on a regular basis. They consider the mental and physical health of the child and the parents, child's education and the parents' record of complying with court orders.

There are other factors for a judge to consider in the allocation of parental rights and responsibilities, including sole custody or shared parenting, parenting time (visitation), child support, health insurance and tax issues.  And because these arrangements are based on circumstances that often change - parents' income, location, mental health, etc., - either parent may be able to file for a post-decree modification of the arrangement.

Sole Custody or Shared Parenting

The primary difference between one parent being designated as the sole legal custodian and residential parent, and a shared parenting arrangement is the decision making authority as it relates to the child/children.   Sole Custody establishes one parent as the primary legal custodian and residential parent.  The legal decision making authority for a child lies with that sole custodial parent. A Shared Parenting arrangement requires the parents to communicate and cooperate in making joint decisions for the child.  The major issues affecting the children's lives include their health, welfare, education, religion and activities.  Shared parenting does not mean that the children must spend an equal amount of time with each parent (sometimes referred to as visitation, known in Ohio as "parenting time").

It is important to protect your rights as a parent, and to obtain the advice of an experienced family law attorney.  Jeffrey Fish has more than 17 years experience helping parents determine what may be in their children's best interests.  Contact the lawyers at White & Fish, L.P.A. to arrange an appointment to discuss your situation, and preserve your rights. 

Allocation of Parenting Time

White & Fish, L.P.A. Inc., practices in counties throughout Central Ohio including Franklin, Delaware, Union, Licking, Knox, Fairfield, Pickaway, Madison, & Muskingum Counties.  Each county has their own standards of practice and local rules relating to parenting time with the children (often referred to as visitation).  For example, in Franklin County (Domestic Relations Rule 27) the minimum guideline for parenting time for a non-custodial or non-residential parent in a typical case is to be every other weekend, and Wednesday evenings for 3 hours.  Many couples find that Rule 27 guidelines simply won't work for them, especially if their work is dependent upon odd work schedules and/or changing hours.  Some examples would include:

• Police and Law Enforcement Professionals
• Fire Fighters, Paramedics and Emergency Personnel
• Doctors
• Nurses
• Medical Staff
• Sanitary Engineers and Janitorial Staff
• Revolving Schedules
• Jobs Requiring an Employee to be "On Call"

Many other issues can complicate existing child custody agreements including job transfers, relocation and interstate arrangements.  For more information, contact White & Fish, L.P.A., Inc. today.