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Either parent may be awarded custody, and the court shall not give preference to a parent because of that parent's financial status or condition. The court may allocate the parental rights and responsibilities for the care of the children primarily to one of the parents, designate that parent as the residential parent and the legal custodian of the child, and divide between the parents the other rights and responsibilities for the care of the children, including, but not limited to, the responsibility to provide support for the children and the right of the parent who is not the residential parent to have continuing contact with the children.
If one parent files a pleading and submits a shared parenting plan, and if a plan for shared parenting is in the best interest of the children, the court may allocate the parental rights and responsibilities for the care of the children to both parents and issue a shared parenting order requiring the parents to share all or some of the aspects of the physical and legal care of the children in accordance with the approved plan for shared parenting. When allocating parental rights and responsibilities, the court shall take into consideration the following factors:
- The wishes of the child;
- The wishes of the child's parents regarding the child's care;
- The child's interaction and interrelationship with the child's parents, siblings, and any other person who may significantly affect the child's best interest;
- The child's adjustment to the child's home, school, and community;
- The mental and physical health of all persons involved in the situation;
- The parent more likely to facilitate court-approved parenting time rights or visitation and companionship rights;
- Whether either parent previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to any criminal offense involving any act that resulted in a child being an abused child or a neglected child;
- Whether either parent has established a residence, or is planning to establish a residence, outside this state.
When determining whether a shared parenting arrangement would be in the best interests of the child, the court shall consider the following factors:
- The ability of the parents to cooperate and make decisions jointly, with respect to the children.
- The ability of each parent to encourage the sharing of love, affection, and contact between the child and the other parent.
- Any history of, or potential for, child abuse, spouse abuse, other domestic violence, or parental kidnapping by either parent.
- The geographic proximity of the parents to each other, as the proximity relates to the practical considerations of shared parenting.
- The recommendation of the guardian ad litem of the child, if the child has a guardian ad litem.
[Based on Ohio Revised Code Section 3109.04]
| How Can I Get Ohio Child Custody Help? |
- Download The How to Win Child Custody E-Book. Get exclusive child custody information and strategies to enhance your child custody case -- to download now click here.
- Schedule a Coaching Appointment. See below for details on how to schedule a one-on-one coaching session to discuss your situation with me -- Steven Carlson, The Custody Coach®.
- Consult a Ohio Child Custody Lawyer. If you need legal advice you'll want to consult a Ohio child custody lawyer to learn where you stand legally and what your legal options are.
- Child Custody Coach® Newsletter. Sign up and receive our unique online newsletter designed to provide useful tips and practical information -- to sign up now click here.
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| Phone Coaching with Child Custody Coach® |
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The phone coaching sessions are designed so you can have a fast, efficient, and economical way of scheduling a coaching session to discuss your child custody, child custody evaluation, and/or divorce related matter via telephone in the comfort and privacy of your own home. Phone coaching is flexible and allows you the opportunity to request an appointment before work, after work, or on a weekend or at any time that is convenient for you. The phone coaching session can often be scheduled and take place the same day payment is made and forms are received for those seeking immediate coaching. For full details about fees and how to get started click here.
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| In-Person Coaching with Child Custody Coach® |
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The in-person coaching sessions are designed for parents who prefer face-to-face meetings and are held in Orange County California. Southern California residents in Orange County, Los Angeles, Ventura, Long Beach, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego will often request to discuss their matters with me in-person. In-person coaching sessions are held in the Mission Viejo area or Costa Mesa area in South Orange County California and are an option made available to persons who can travel to one of these two locations. For full details about fees and how to get started click here.
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| Monthly Coaching with Child Custody Coach® |
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Monthly coaching is designed to provide ongoing coaching and support throughout the month and provides for an economical way of receiving such support on matters such as divorce, child custody, move-aways, post-judgment modifications, child custody evaluations, etc. Fees are known up front so there are no surprises. This also allows you to choose the plan that is right for you and also works within your budget. Weekly coaching sessions and email communications allow you to discuss your child custody matters, developments, and results regularly throughout the month. For full details on fees and how to get started click here.
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