Committed Northeast Ohio Family Law Attorney
Helping You Find Solutions Regarding Child Custody and Visitation
If you are considering filing for divorce, or are already a party to a divorce and you have children, you have critical decisions to make regarding where the children will reside, the arrangements relating to their time with each parent, and how significant decisions regarding their welfare will be made.
You want a lawyer who not only understands the law, but who also understands the emotional challenges of children and parents affected by divorce. You want an attorney who will help you understand your options and rights, and who will provide you with a realistic assessment of potential outcomes.
At the Law Offices of Andrew J. Simon in Independence, I have counselled individuals and families on matters involving child custody and visitation since 1996. I know from over two decades of experience that issues involving children can be difficult and emotionally charged. I work with clients every step of the way to try to find solutions that seek to reduce the financial and emotional impact of a drawn-out litigation. Contact my offices to discuss your custody or visitation concerns.
Allocation of Parental Rights and Responsibilities in Ohio
In 1990s, Ohio officially began referring to "child custody" as "allocation of parental rights and responsibilities." This change recognizes that parenthood involves both benefits and obligations. With this in mind, the court's primary focus when making custody and visitation determinations is the best interests of the child.
The court examines many factors in determining the child's best interests, including:
- Overall emotional health
- Healthcare
- Education
- Risk of physical harm to the child
- Relationship of the child to the parent and/or other significant parties, like siblings
In determining child custody, the court will either grant sole custody to one of the parents or mandate a shared parenting arrangement. I will work with you to propose and implement a child custody plan that serves the best interests of your child while protecting your rights as a parent.
The Benefits and Obligations of Custody
I will help you establish and implement a shared parenting plan that considers the best interests of your children while protecting your rights as a parent. The distinction between the two kinds of custody is not simply about companionship -- that is, "who gets the kids" -- but rather touches upon three main areas of parental benefits and obligations.
Decision making: whether signficant decisions affecting the child's welfare (including health and education) will be made by one parent, both parents jointly, or in some other fashion.
Companionship:
- If there is shared custody, there will be a companionship schedule between the mother and father specifying when and for how long each parent will be responsible for caring for the child.
- If there is sole custody, the non-custodial parent will get visitation. Unlike in shared custody, visitation is a right, not an obligation.
Financial support: working within Ohio child support guidelines, support considerations include direct support (e.g. food, clothing, shelter), payments from one parent to another, and providing for health insurance costs.
Moreover, if your or your former spouse's circumstances change, I will help you seek modifications of existing child custody and visitation orders.
To schedule a confidential consultation to discuss your child custody or visitation concerns, contact my offices or call me at (216) 525-8890. My offices are open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Evening hours are available by appointment. I accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.
Law Offices of Andrew J. Simon
6000 Freedom Square Drive
Freedom Square 2, Suite 380
Independence, OH 44131
Phone: (216) 525-8890
Fax: (216) 642-5814