CHILD CUSTODY ATTORNEYS
IN COLUMBUS, OHIO

Child custody battles are often seen as just that — battles. However, an experienced family law attorney understands that every custody case is different. Maybe you’re in the middle of an exhausting, high-conflict divorce, or maybe you simply need legal guidance on how to reach a fair and fitting arrangement between you and your ex. In either case, we at Heckert & Moreland Co., LPA are here to provide both the answers and legal backing you need in order to do what’s best for your family.

To start, we’ve provided answers to some of the most common questions we hear about child custody law in Ohio. If you live in the Columbus, Ohio area, don’t hesitate to contact us for more information.

HOW IS CHILD CUSTODY AWARDED IN OHIO?

First and foremost, Ohio courts strive to award custody based on what they perceive to be in the best interests of the child. In other words, they’re going to look at a number of factors, including:

• The stability each parent can provide

• Whether living with one parent would require a relocation and/or change of school

• Any history of abuse, neglect, or substance abuse

• The child or children’s preferences

As you can imagine, these factors are rarely cut and dry. For instance, if your ex has a much higher income than you, that doesn’t mean your ex is guaranteed full custody. Rather, an experienced family law attorney can tell the court your side of the story.

Depending on your family’s unique needs and dynamics, the court may choose to award joint custody between the parents or sole custody to one parent. As your legal counsel, we will always take your unique needs, goals, and family dynamics into consideration when negotiating for joint or sole custody.

DO MOTHERS HAVE A BETTER
CHANCE OF GETTING CUSTODY?

While there is good reason for the long-standing stereotype that women are almost always awarded custody, times have changed. Ohio is one of many states that has taken steps to give both parents equal rights over custody of their children. One important distinction, though, is whether the child was born while the parents were married.

If your child or children were born during your marriage, then both parents are viewed as having “equal footing” in family court. If, on the other hand, the child was born outside of a marriage, the mother automatically has sole custody, and the father initially has no rights until he is determined by the court to be the father of the child. In these cases, there are steps that each parent can take to try and modify these arrangements. For instance, the mother can file a court order for child support, and the father can file an acknowledgment of paternity to claim his parental rights.

Whether you need to establish a child custody arrangement or modify an existing one — and whether you are a mother or father — we at Heckert & Moreland Co., LPA will strive to make the legal process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

DO I REALLY NEED A LAWYER?

Although having an attorney is not legally required in Columbus or the state of Ohio, choosing to work with one can make all the difference when it comes to establishing fair arrangements for child custody, visitation, child support, and related matters. And really, when it’s your parental rights on the line, it’s not worth it to take any risk.

At Heckert & Moreland Co., LPA, our approach centers on providing effective legal counsel, first and foremost. We want to help you and your ex arrive at a fair and fitting arrangement that makes sense for the unique needs of your kids and your family. Like the courts, our primary concern is making sure your children have the care they need.

Beyond that, we also strive to provide clear guidance, an empathetic ear, and unwavering legal support when you need it most. If that’s the type of legal team you want on your side, please don’t hesitate to give us a call and schedule a one-on-one consultation.