Juvenile Court & Private Custody Services

in Cleveland & Northeast Ohio

Juvenile Court & Private Custody

When parents are not married, child custody is handled through juvenile court rather than domestic relations court. These cases are just as important as custody matters in divorce — and often more complicated. Whether you’re a mother or a father seeking parental rights, we’re here to help you build a strong case and protect your relationship with your child.


We represent unmarried parents in custody and visitation matters across Cleveland, Independence, Akron, Beachwood, Westlake, and surrounding areas.

How Custody Works for Unmarried Parents in Ohio

JURISDICTION: JUVENILE COURT VS. DOMESTIC RELATIONS

If you were never legally married to your child’s other parent, custody must be handled in juvenile court. This process involves many of the same issues as divorce — including parental rights, parenting time, and child support — but follows a different legal path.


We help you file or respond in the correct court and understand how the process works.

ESTABLISHING PARENTAL RIGHTS

In Ohio, unmarried mothers automatically have sole legal custody at birth. Unmarried fathers must first establish paternity before they can request custody or parenting time.


We guide both mothers and fathers through this process — whether you're seeking to protect your parental rights or ensure your child's well-being is prioritized.

CREATING A PARENTING PLAN

Once parental rights are established, a parenting plan can be created. These plans outline legal custody, parenting time, holidays, transportation, communication, and more.


We help clients negotiate workable, detailed parenting plans — and litigate when agreements aren’t possible.

BEST INTEREST OF THE CHILD STANDARD

Just like in divorce cases, Ohio courts use the best interest of the child standard to decide custody. This includes evaluating:

  • The emotional ties between parent and child
  • Each parent’s ability to provide a stable home
  • Any history of domestic violence or substance abuse
  • The child’s wishes, if mature enough to express them



We help present your case clearly, with the evidence needed to support your position.

Modifying Juvenile Court Custody Orders

As your child’s needs change or your situation evolves, it may be possible to update custody or parenting time.

Enforcing Juvenile Court Orders

If the other parent isn’t following the court’s custody order, legal enforcement may be necessary to protect your rights and your child’s stability.

Who We Help

We represent:

  • Unmarried mothers seeking to retain or formalize custody
  • Unmarried fathers seeking custody or parenting time
  • Parents involved in complex or high-conflict custody disputes
  • Clients responding to or initiating juvenile court actions

OUR APPROACH

  • We provide straightforward, honest advice on what’s possible
  • We help fathers establish rights and mothers protect theirs
  • We draft detailed parenting plans to reduce future conflict
  • We prepare every case for negotiation or court, as needed

FAQs

  • Why is custody for unmarried parents handled in juvenile court?

    In Ohio, if parents are not married, custody and support are handled in juvenile court instead of domestic relations court. The legal process is similar but follows different procedural rules.

  • Do unmarried fathers have custody rights in Ohio?

    Not automatically. Fathers must establish legal paternity before requesting custody or visitation. Once established, they have the same legal standing as mothers.

  • What is the difference between legal custody and parenting time?

    Legal custody refers to the authority to make decisions about the child’s life. Parenting time refers to the schedule of when each parent spends time with the child.

  • Can I get a custody order if I’ve never been to court before?

    Yes. Either parent can initiate a custody case in juvenile court, even if there hasn’t been a prior legal action. We help clients file for custody, parenting time, and support.

  • Can custody be modified later?

    Yes. As children grow or situations change, parents can request a custody modification.

Have any more questions?

I WILL GIVE YOU HONEST ADVICE.

We don’t sugarcoat the truth — we give clear, honest advice.

I WILL PROVIDE YOU WITH CLEAR PRICING.

We explain costs upfront so there are no financial surprises.

I WILL LISTEN TO YOU FIRST.

We listen first, then guide you through your legal options.

TOGETHER, WE'LL FOCUS ON YOUR FUTURE.

We focus on practical outcomes that position you for a stronger future.