Child Custody Lawyer in Columbus

Helping Fight for Your Rights As a Parent

Getting legal custody of your child or children in Columbus, Ohio, can be a challenging and emotional process. Your family's emotional health and well-being often depend on these legal decisions.

At Nina Scopetti, Attorney at Law, our child custody attorney in Columbus provides care and compassion in these cases. We want clients to feel confident that their legal matters are in capable hands.

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

How Columbus Courts Decide Child Custody Cases

Judges in Franklin County and throughout Columbus prioritize the best interests of the child when resolving custody disputes. To reach a decision, the court evaluates factors such as each parent’s role in the child's daily routines, ability to meet emotional and physical needs, and the child's relationships with siblings and extended family. The court reviews any evidence concerning past misconduct, substance abuse, or domestic violence in the home. Local practice in Columbus values a stable home for the child, so each parent’s ability to provide consistency carries significant weight. 

Modifying & Enforcing Custody Orders in Columbus

Custody arrangements may need to change as families evolve. In Columbus, when parents request modifications, the court looks for a material change in circumstances since the last order. This could include a relocation, a change in the child’s needs, or different work schedules for a parent. The parent seeking a change must show that the request remains in the child's best interests. Franklin County courts may require mediation before a hearing on the modification, and both parents can share evidence. Enforcing an existing custody order remains just as important—especially if a parent restricts visits or ignores court-ordered instructions. Columbus family courts can modify parenting schedules or impose penalties for repeated violations. Understanding local enforcement practices helps parents maintain stability and protect their parental rights.

Exploring Child Custody Options in Columbus

When determining who has custody of your child or children in Columbus, Ohio, during a divorce, you must discuss several options 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.

Shared Parenting in Columbus: A Collaborative Approach

Shared Parenting is a court-ordered plan that outlines joint custody provisions for children. Both parents share legal custody, but the court determines physical custody based on the children’s best interests. Shared Parenting Plans are drafted to reflect the unique circumstances of each custody case.

During a Shared Parenting arrangement, both parents share the responsibility to work together regarding education, healthcare, and other important decisions. Franklin County courts require parents to follow the plan and only seek changes if the situation changes in a significant way. Judges review whether each parent can communicate and prioritize the child’s needs before approving a Shared Parenting Plan.

Parenting Time & Visitation Rights in Ohio

Even if a parent does not have custody, they may still qualify for visitation, also called parenting time. This requires filing a motion with the court to show that visitation is in the best interests of the child or children.

The court considers several factors, including:

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

Creating a Co-Parenting Plan

In child custody cases, parents should focus on their child's well-being and develop a co-parenting plan that works for the entire family. Our Columbus child custody attorney can help you create a plan designed for your child’s needs and best interests.

Key elements of a co-parenting plan 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 to adjust as the child's needs change

Identifying an Unfit Parent During Ohio Custody Cases

During divorce, mistrust may arise between parents. The court always focuses on the child's best interests in custody proceedings. Parents pursuing custody must be prepared to protect their parental rights.

Columbus courts gather information from several sources when assessing claims about a parent’s fitness. Judges may hear from child psychologists, school staff, or a guardian ad litem. Each situation is reviewed to choose the safest and most nurturing option for the child.

Here are factors judges consider when determining if a parent is unfit:

• Does the parent seeking custody have a history of child neglect or abuse?
• Is there evidence of past or current domestic violence in the household?
• Does the parent’s mental health affect the ability 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

A child custody case in Ohio can take anywhere from three months to two years. After you file a motion, the family court schedules a hearing.

In Franklin County, factors such as court schedule, case complexity, and the need for outside evaluation or mediation can change the process length. The court sometimes orders investigations when parents do not agree. Timely participation and organized documentation help reduce delays through the process in Columbus.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the child custody process typically take in Columbus?

Most custody cases in Columbus move through the courts in three months to two years, depending on complexity and cooperation between parents. Delays often result from disputes over main issues or the need for outside evaluation.

Can a child choose which parent to live with in Ohio?

Ohio courts may consider a child's wishes, particularly if the child can give a clear and mature preference. The court’s decision, however, always comes down to what is in the child’s best interests.