Blast From The Past: An Overview of Child Custody Proceedings in Ohio

custody domestic relations

PUBLISHER’S NOTE –  I emailed this blog from August of 2021 to a possible new client this week. Custody cases are typically complex and very fact sensitive. But here are the basics. The information in it is still correct, but the new term for “visitation” is “parenting time”. Try the search bar above to focus in on a huge variety of articles we have published since 2007!

Understanding the Intricacies of Ohio’s Child Custody Laws

child custody domestic relationsOhio law is gender neutral in custody determinations – meaning there is no preference towards the mother or father being granted custody. In divorce court, “shared parenting” between the mother and father is generally the preferred parenting arrangement instead of sole custody to one parent. If a parent is awarded sole custody, they have the decision-making rights over where a child will attend school and major legal or medical decisions on their behalf. However, that is not always the case and the “best interest” test is employed to determine the best interest of the child.

A court takes into consideration numerous factors such as: the mental and physical health of both parents, any history of domestic violence, child abuse or neglect, and parents’ … Read More... “Blast From The Past: An Overview of Child Custody Proceedings in Ohio”

Should Ohio Pass a New Law Establishing 50/50 Shared Parenting in Divorce Cases?

parenting time divorce

Ohio would join only Arkansas and Kentucky as states with a law establishing automatic equal shared parenting time.

Ohio House introduces HB14 to establish automatic 50-50 Child Custody, but is this in the best interest of the child?

parenting time divorceA separation or divorce is a highly stressful and emotional experience for everyone involved, but for children, it can often be traumatic. Children are often left feeling shocked, angry, uncertain, or even guilty. These are all totally normal reactions. In response to these natural emotions, one of the best things parents and courts can do throughout divorce proceedings is consider the best interests of their children in regard to custody and residential parenting decisions.

In most jurisdictions, including Ohio, the “best interest” of the child standard is the basis for most custody decisions. The purpose of this standard is to safeguard a child’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being by ensuring the parents can provide the best upbringing for the child. Judges utilize this “best interests” standard when making decisions regarding custody arrangements.

Despite this long-standing best interest of the child standard, the Ohio House has recently introduced HB14 to establish automatic 50-50 child custody from the start of the case. This bill … Read More... “Should Ohio Pass a New Law Establishing 50/50 Shared Parenting in Divorce Cases?”

Here Comes the Judge: A Little Insight for Your Child Custody and Divorce Case

hjudge.jpgMichael Mastracci, an attorney from Baltimore, Maryland, publishes one of my favorite blogs, “Divorce Without Dishonor.” He is a huge proponent of utilizing the collaborative law model in divorce and custody matters whenever possible. He recently posted an excellent piece, with which I agree, well worth sharing. I have added a few of my own thoughts at the end.

When I was in law school one of the adjunct professors was a circuit court judge with years of experience presiding over cases involving dueling parents arguing about virtually every aspect of their children’s lives. His advice, probably the best advice in three years of law school, was to know your judge. His Honor was not speaking about knowing the judge personally (although that never hurts) but knowing what he or she is likely to do in any given situation or factual scenario. What does that mean?

People often tend to forget that judges are people, people who likely either knew the governor or knew people close to the governor in order to get appointed. Judges are not necessarily appointed because they are smart. There is no judgeship test or certification to wear the robe once appointed (that … Read More... “Here Comes the Judge: A Little Insight for Your Child Custody and Divorce Case”

Virtual Visitation: Part 2 – Legal Aspects

In the second part of a two part series, Attorney Robert Mues looks at the legal aspects of Virtual Visitation.

visit2.jpgOhio Revised Code Section 3109.051(A) provides, in part, that, “Whenever possible, the order or decree permitting the parenting time shall ensure the opportunity for both parents to have frequent and continuing contact with the child, unless frequent and continuing contact by either parent with the child would not be in the best interest of the child.” In 2006, a bill was introduced in the Ohio Senate to allow Juvenile or Domestic Relations Courts to grant a reasonable amount of “electronic communication” between a parent and a child so long as the electronic communication was in the child’s best interest and the equipment was readily available. In Senate Bill 341, electronic communications was defined as “communication facilitated by the use of methods of communication such as the telephone, electronic mail, instant messaging, video conferencing, or other wired or wireless technologies via the internet, or another medium of communication that allows a party who has been granted parenting time, companionship, or visitation rights to communicate with a child during times in which the child is not physically present with the party.” While … Read More... “Virtual Visitation: Part 2 – Legal Aspects”

For Your Child’s Sake, Work With Ex-Spouse – Dr. Ramey Doesn’t Mince His Words!

ramey_min.jpgReader’s Question: I have seen my 7-year-old daughter every other weekend since I divorced her mom two years ago. My daughter’s behavior with me is absolutely horrible, to the point where I now dread her coming over. My ex-wife is a real pain and a terrible mother, so I really can’t speak with her about our daughter. Any ideas on what I can do to get my daughter’s behavior under control?

Dr. Ramey’s Answer: Stop whining about your ex-spouse. You can’t solve this problem without talking with your ex-wife. Regardless of whatever may have happened during your marriage and divorce, you need to put the love of your child ahead of your feelings toward your ex-spouse. If your daughter’s mom is unwilling to talk with you directly, ask if she would be willing to go with you to a child therapist to help deal with your daughter’s problems.

These youngsters are among the saddest I treat because most of these problems are caused by selfish and immature parents.

Reprinted by permission from the November 16, 2008, edition of the Dayton Daily News, “For your child’s sake, work with ex-spouse”, Family Wise, Gregory Ramey, PH.D.

… Read More... “For Your Child’s Sake, Work With Ex-Spouse – Dr. Ramey Doesn’t Mince His Words!”