Toledo Child Custody Lawyer

Custody cases most often involve a mother and father fighting for legal custody rights for the child. In some instances the custody issues may arise out of the parents of the child becoming divorced or it can involve parents of a child who are not legally married. Custody cases can involve one parent fighting for full custody of the child or it can involve a shared custody/shared parenting agreement between the parents.

At Groth & Associates, our Toledo child custody lawyers are compassionate and effective advocates for parents and caregivers. If you find yourself in a custody or child support battle, we understand the complexity of issues surrounding custody and child support cases. Our legal team will help you find the solution that best protects your rights and supports your family. To set up a confidential review of your child custody case, please call us at our Toledo law office today.

WE HANDLE THE FULL RANGE OF CHILD CUSTODY & VISITATION CASES

Our law firm is dedicated to helping parents and families find low-conflict and cost effective solutions to custody and visitation issues. We have the skills and experience needed to represent you in the complete range of child-related family law cases. Some examples of custody & visitation issues that we frequently handle in Northwest Ohio include: 

• Child custody disputes;
• Child visitation claims; 
• Child support disputes; 
• Interference with custody/visitation rights;
• Parental alienation cases;
• Child custody modifications; 
• Child support modifications; and
• Termination of parental rights.

For a legal consultation with a child custody lawyer serving Toledo, call (419) 930-3030

UNDERSTANDING THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE CHILD STANDARD

Under Ohio law (Ohio Revised Code § 3109.04), parental rights and responsibilities are allocated — meaning custody/visitation is decided — by determining what is in the best interests of the child. What the parents want will always be a secondary consideration. Ohio family law judges must determine what type of custody and visitation arrangement will best protect the child’s physical safety, emotional well-being, and positive social development. In making a best interests of the child determination, Ohio law permits judges to consider a wide range of factors, such as: 

• The capacity of each parent to take custody;
• The demonstrated parenting ability of each party; 
• The relationship each parent has built with the children thus far;
• The willingness of each parent to work with the other in a cooperative and good faith manner; 
• The stability of the parent’s life; and
• Any prior history of abuse, negligence, neglect, or misconduct. 

In some custody cases, the court may use the services of outside professionals such as social service workers or psychologists to determine the best interest of the child involved. If this type of professional, often referred to as a ‘guardian ad litem’, has been appointed in your case, our legal team can help. 

For Toledo, OH parents who are currently involved in a custody dispute, it is crucial that they think about the best interests of the child standard. More to the point, parents should put together a strong case that proves to the court that they will be able to offer their children a safe, secure, happy, and positive environment. This is where working with an experienced child custody attorney can make the difference. 

Family Lawyer Near Me (419) 930-3030

OHIO COURTS FAVOR SHARED CUSTODY — BUT THERE ARE EXCEPTIONS

In Ohio, joint custody is typically now referred to as ‘shared parenting’. As a general matter, Ohio family law courts prefer to grant parents some form of shared custody for their children. Though, even if shared legal custody is granted, a court may decide that it is in the best interests of the child to give one parent primary physical custody.

It is also important to note that, although it is presumed that a shared parenting arrangement is best for the child, it is a legally rebuttable presumption. If one parent is unwilling or incapable of providing proper care to their kids, sole custody may be awarded to the other parent. In the worst cases, parental rights may even be terminated. If you believe that you need sole custody to protect your children, you should call an experienced Toledo family law attorney immediately.

THE ROLE OF CHILD SUPPORT

Child support is monetary compensation from one parent of a child to the other parent who is considered the main caregiver for the child. Child support is used to financially support the child and pay for things that the child needs. A child support agreement can also stipulate who pays the medical bills for the child and who is going to pay for college tuition once the child graduates high school.

How much, if any, child support will be awarded will always depend on the specific circumstances of the case. Courts will consider the allocated parental responsibilities and the financial resources available to each party. While there is an official standard for calculating child support in Ohio, courts may have the authority to deviate from the guidelines when it is deemed to be appropriate.

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CHILD CUSTODY MODIFICATION AND ENFORCEMENT

For parents, reaching a child custody agreement or receiving a child custody order often comes as a great relief. That being said, it is important to remember that a custody & visitation case is never truly ‘over’ until your kids become adults. Under Ohio law, child custody arrangements may be ‘modified’ if there has been a substantial change in circumstances.

Additionally, should your former partner violate the terms of a custody agreement or custody order, you need to be ready to take immediate action to protect your children and your parental rights. Our Toledo, OH child custody attorneys represent parents in enforcement cases. Do not allow violations to linger — we are here to help.

WHY HIRE THE TOLEDO CHILD CUSTODY ATTORNEYS AT GROTH & ASSOCIATES

Nothing should stand between you and your relationship with your child. If you are involved in a custody case, you need top legal representation. Due to the simple fact that kids are involved, child custody and child support cases are especially sensitive. At Groth & Associates, we stand behind our clients and protect their rights custody and support related matters. Our team knows how to handle these cases with care and compassion. Among other things, our Toledo, OH child custody lawyers are prepared to:

• Conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your custody case;
• Explain your parental rights and help you assess your options;
• Investigate the case — securing important evidence;
• Build a strong, compelling case that demonstrates your parental ability;
• Look for collaborative and low-conflict solutions that preserve your family;
• If necessary, prepare for custody litigation.

As was mentioned, an aggressive approach is not best in most child custody cases. Whenever possible, we want to find ways to help to reduce conflict, find cooperative answers, and provide a happy and healthy family atmosphere for your child. At the same time, we will not allow your parental rights to take a backseat. Unfortunately, collaborative solutions do not work in every custody case. If your former partner is unwilling to treat you fairly, we are ready to take action to protect your children and your rights.

Get Help From Our Toledo, OH Child Custody Lawyers Today

At Groth & Associates, our Ohio family law attorneys have extensive experience handling the full range of child custody cases. If you have any questions or concerns about child custody case or your legal rights, we are available to help. To set up a strictly confidential review of your case, please do not hesitate to contact our law firm right away. From our office in Toledo, we serve parents and caregivers throughout Northwest Ohio, including in Lima, Findlay, Sylvania, Defiance, Bowling Green, and Fostoria.

Call or text (419) 930-3030 or complete a Case Evaluation form