Columbus Child Custody Attorney

Understanding Ohio's Child Custody Laws

​Getting legal custody of your child or children in Columbus, Ohio, is a severe and often highly contentious issue. Your family's emotional health and well-being are often at stake.​

At Nina Scopetti, Attorney at Law, our child custody attorney in Columbus, Ohio, handles these cases with care and compassion so clients can be put at ease that their matter is in good hands.

Suppose you wish to raise your children and provide them with a healthy and stable upbringing. In that case, our child custody lawyers can facilitate conversation to help you reach an amicable agreement with the other parent concerning custody, visitation, and parental rights. We will strongly advocate for your child’s best interests in the courtroom if you cannot agree.

Seeking Custody or Visitation in Columbus? Contact Nina Scopetti for a Free Consultation(614) 664-6409 Today!

Exploring Child Custody Options in Columbus

When deciding who has custody of your child or children in Columbus, Ohio, during a divorce, there are a few options you'll need to discuss with the other parent and legal counsel.

• Legal custody: The right of the parents to make legal decisions about the child’s health, education, and other important matters
• Physical custody: Where and with whom the child will live
• Sole Custody: Gives one parent full legal and physical custody
• Joint Custody: Also called Shared Parenting, when both parents share legal and physical custody

Ultimately, you must either agree to the terms that best suit your child or present your custody case to the Court.

At Nina Scopetti, Attorney at Law, our divorce lawyer has experience dealing with child custody and visitation arrangements and knows what to look for when protecting your child’s best interests. In addition, family law attorney Nina Scopetti is an experienced child custody lawyer. She knows how to negotiate agreements and litigate if a deal is impossible.

Shared Parenting in Columbus: A Collaborative Approach

Shared Parenting is a court-ordered plan that outlines the provisions for the joint custody of the children. Both parents share legal custody of the children. Still, physical custody is determined according to the children's best interests. Shared Parenting Plans are drafted individually upon consideration of the unique circumstances of each custody case.

Shared parenting does not necessarily mean a 50/50 custody split on parenting time and child support. Instead, it simply means that both parents will share legal and physical custody. Attorney Scopetti has extensive experience advising, negotiating, and writing Shared Parenting plans.

Parenting Time and Visitation Rights in Ohio

Even if a parent isn’t granted custody, they may still be eligible for visitation, also known as parenting time. This involves filing a motion with the court proving that having reasonable visitation with the child or children would be in their best interests.

The court will then look at certain factors, including:

• The child’s previous relationship with the parent
• The location and distance between the parents, employment, schooling, and other scheduling
• The child’s age
• How the child has adjusted to their current living situation
• Health and safety concerns
• Both parents’ willingness to schedule or reschedule their time
• Any other issue that affects the best interests of the child

Creating a Co-Parenting Plan

When it comes to child custody cases, it's important to focus on the well-being of the child and create a co-parenting plan that works for both parents. Our Columbus child custody attorney can help you navigate through the process of creating a co-parenting plan that addresses the needs and best interests of your child.

Key elements of a co-parenting plan may include:

• Parenting schedules and visitation arrangements
• Communication guidelines between co-parents
• Decision-making responsibilities for the child's upbringing
• Methods for resolving disputes or conflicts
• Flexibility for adjustments as the child's needs change

By working together to create a co-parenting plan, both parents can ensure a stable and supportive environment for their child, even in the midst of a custody dispute.

Identifying an Unfit Parent During Ohio Custody Cases

When couples divorce, the separation may manifest in the form of mistrust. The most important thing about child custody proceedings is that the court will rule in favor of what is in the best interests of the child. As parents fighting for child custody, your parental rights are on the line.

Your spouse may make claims that you are unfit. As with any accusation, it is best to take into consideration that any evidence presented will be reviewed or questioned.

Here are some examples that will help a judge determine if a parent is unfit:

• Does the parent seeking custody have history of child neglect or abuse?
• Is there evidence of past or current domestic violence within the household?
• Does the mental health of the parent impact their capacity to care for the child?
• Is the relationship between the child and parent healthy?
• Has the parent provided a safe and positive living environment?

Timeline for Resolving Child Custody Disputes in Ohio

From start to finish, a child custody case in Ohio can take between three months and two years. After you file a motion, the family court will schedule a hearing.

If you are worried about staying in your child’s life, consult with our divorce lawyer today about your custody case. Our law firm in Columbus can help you gather evidence to support your position and guide you through the process.

Securing the Right Custody Arrangement for Your Child in Ohio

With over 40 years of family law experience, you’ll get the help you need from a trusted divorce lawyer in Columbus, Ohio. Turn to Nina Scopetti Attorney at Law!