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Ohio courts are moving away from the traditional custody-and-visitation models in which one parent is the primary custodian and the other parent has limited time with the child and even less involvement in parenting decisions.
The presumption is now a shared parenting arrangement. This does not necessarily mean shuttling kids back and forth to spend 50 percent of their life with each parent. But, it does change the approach to child custody in the context of divorce.
Attorney John Dohner has practiced in family law for more than 25 years. He represents clients in Summit County and northeastern Ohio in determining custody, crafting parenting plans, and resolving post-divorce custody issues, including interstate custody disputes.
See our Case Summaries page to learn more.
If the parents can agree on terms of custody, they submit the plan to the court for approval. But, many parents simply cannot find the middle ground, in which case a judge will decide. Based on the best interests of the child, the court will impose one of three scenarios:
The court considers many factors, including age of the child, whether one parent has been the primary caregiver, or whether both parents are actively involved. Courts will also consider whether the child's relationship with the other parent will be encouraged or undermined. A judge may order shared parenting over the objections of a parent who wants primary custody or a parent who prefers less involvement. The judge can also dictate parenting schedules.
John Dohner encourages clients to focus on a shared parenting plan that they control, rather than the expense and uncertainty of a courtroom battle. The goal is a detailed, written plan that covers all the bases and best fits the needs of the parents and the child:
Early in the divorce process, the court will issue a temporary order regarding parenting time. This arrangement will govern your involvement with your child while the divorce is pending and may influence the ultimate outcome. Attorney Dohner advocates aggressively for your interests at this important stage.
At the Dohner Law Firm, we are committed to providing the best service possible and to reaching the most favorable outcome for our clients and their families. We work to achieve a result that provides relief for our clients now and which they will be comfortable with well into the future. Call 330.376.6300 to arrange a consultation at our Akron or Hudson offices.
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