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.
Can You Appeal a Child Custody Ruling in Ohio?
Yes, you can appeal a child custody ruling in Ohio. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- You must file your appeal within 30 days of the date of the original ruling.
- You must pay a filing fee.
- You must provide the judge with a copy of your appeal and a brief explaining why you believe the original ruling was wrong.
The appellate court will review your appeal and decide whether to uphold or overturn the original ruling. If the appellate court overturns the initial order, it will issue a new ruling binding on both parties. It is important to note that appealing a child custody ruling is difficult.
If you are considering appealing a verdict in Columbus, Ohio, you should speak with our child custody attorney to discuss your legal options. Our family law attorneys can help you understand the process and can help you prepare your appeal.
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.
