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How Child Custody is Determined in Ohio

Meeting a Child’s Needs in a Divorce

When parents in Ohio get divorced, one of the most important decisions to make is who will have custody of their children. This can be a difficult decision, and there are many factors that go into determining what is best for the child. In this blog, learn how child custody is determined in Ohio and some of the things that courts look at when making their decision.

Factors that Determine Child Custody in Ohio

If you are going through a divorce in Ohio, or if you were never married to the child’s other parent, you may be wondering how child custody will be determined. The answer is that there is no one-size-fits-all answer, as each situation is unique. However, there are several factors that will be taken into consideration when determining child custody:

The Best Interests of the Child

Perhaps the most important of the factors that will be considered is the best interest of the child. This means that the court will review what is in the child’s best interest when it comes to living arrangements, education, and medical care. The court will also review which parent is more likely to provide a stable and loving home for the child.

Relationship Between Parent and Child

Another factor that will be considered is the relationship between the child and each parent. The court will look at how close the child is to each parent, and whether or not the child has a strong bond with each parent. The court will also consider which parent is more likely to encourage a relationship between the child and the other parent.

Ability to Care for a Child

The third factor that will be considered is each parent’s ability to care for the child. The court will look at things like work schedules, home environment, and parenting skills when making this determination. The court will also try to predict which parent is more likely to put the needs of the child first.

Mental and Physical Health of the Parents

The fourth factor that will be considered is each parent’s mental and physical health. The court will want to make sure that the child will be safe and well-cared for, and that the parent is able to provide a stable home environment. The court will also consider any history of mental illness or substance abuse when making this determination.

Parental Involvement

The fifth factor that will be considered is each parent’s involvement in the child’s life. The court will look at how much time each parent spends with the child, and whether or not the parent is involved in the child’s school and extracurricular activities. The court will also consider which parent is more likely to make decisions in the best interest of the child.

Work with a Child Custody Attorney in Ohio

These are just some of the factors that will be considered when determining child custody in Ohio. If you are going through a divorce or if you have never been married to the child’s other parent, it is important to understand how child custody will be determined. An experienced family law attorney can help you understand the factors that will be considered in your specific situation and can help you create a parenting plan that is in the best interest of your child.

If you are going through a divorce or child custody battle in Ohio, contact the team at The Law Offices of LeeDaun C. Williams LLC to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced family law attorneys. We can help you understand the factors that will be considered when determining child custody, and we can help you create a parenting plan that is in the best interest of your child.


Learn more or schedule a consultation by calling (216) 350-8511 or by visiting our website.

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