Legal Services for Non-Married Parents

in Cleveland & Northeast Ohio

NON-MARRIED PARENTS

If you were never married to your child’s other parent, you still have legal rights — and legal responsibilities. Whether you're trying to establish custody, set up parenting time, or resolve child support, the process can feel overwhelming if you don’t know where to begin.



We help unmarried parents across Cleveland, Independence, Westlake, Beachwood, Akron, and surrounding areas understand how Ohio law applies to them — and how to move forward in a way that protects both their parental rights and their child’s best interests.

Legal Issues for Unmarried Parents

PATERNITY

In Ohio, unmarried fathers must legally establish paternity before they can request custody or parenting time. Mothers may also need to establish paternity in order to pursue child support.
Learn more: Paternity

CUSTODY & PARENTING TIME

Once paternity is established, either parent can request a court order for custody and parenting time. These cases are handled through juvenile court and follow the same best interest standards used in divorce cases.

CHILD SUPPORT

Even if you were never married, both parents are legally obligated to support their child. Support orders can be established and enforced through juvenile court once paternity is confirmed.

PARENTING PLANS FOR UNMARRIED PARENTS

It’s important to have a clear parenting plan that outlines how decisions will be made and how time with each parent will be shared. We help unmarried parents draft detailed parenting agreements — and step in when one parent refuses to cooperate.

MODIFICATION & ENFORCEMENT

As circumstances change, your court orders may need to change, too. If a parent violates an existing custody or support order, legal enforcement may be necessary.

Who We Help

We represent:

  • Unmarried fathers seeking to establish parental rights
  • Unmarried mothers looking to formalize custody and support
  • Parents in high-conflict custody or support disputes
  • Individuals navigating paternity, custody, and child support together

OUR APPROACH

  • We give honest advice based on your specific situation
  • We file and respond to juvenile court actions
  • We help reduce conflict through clear, enforceable parenting plans
  • We protect your relationship with your child while keeping the focus on stability

FAQs

  • Do unmarried parents have equal rights in Ohio?

    Not automatically. In Ohio, the mother has sole custody at birth unless paternity is legally established. Once established, both parents can pursue custody, parenting time, and decision-making rights.

  • What legal steps should unmarried parents take?

    Unmarried parents should establish paternity, create a formal parenting plan, and secure custody and support orders through juvenile court to protect everyone's rights.

  • Can unmarried parents avoid going to court?

    If both parents agree, they may be able to formalize arrangements without a contested court battle. However, a court order is still necessary to make any agreement legally enforceable.

  • Can I get child support even if we were never married?

    Yes. Once paternity is established, the custodial parent can seek child support through juvenile court in Ohio.

  • What if we break up — who gets custody?

    If no custody order exists, the mother has legal custody by default. Fathers must petition the court for custody or parenting time after paternity is established.

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.