Columbus Parental Rights Attorney

Defending the Rights of Mothers and Fathers in Ohio

All parents have rights in regard to their child or children. These rights can be complicated by a divorce, dissolution, or custody matter and questions can arise on a variety of matters concerning responsibilities in your child’s upbringing.

These issues are personal and require the dedicated attention of an experienced attorney. At Nina Scopetti Attorney at Law, our parental rights attorneys in Columbus provide the help that fathers and mothers need to seek what is in the best interests of your child. This type of representation is particularly significant in Ohio, where maintaining parental rights can have long-term implications for both parents and children. Our firm is committed to ensuring that every step of the legal process is handled with the utmost care and diligence.

To learn more, or to schedule your initial consultation, call our parental rights attorney at (614) 664-6409 or contact us online.

Understanding Parental Rights in Ohio

Parental rights refer to the legal rights and responsibilities that a parent has over their child. These rights include decisions about their child's education, healthcare, religious upbringing, and general welfare. In Ohio, both mothers and fathers have parental rights, but these rights can be influenced by the circumstances of a divorce, separation, or paternity determination. Parental rights not only determine who makes key decisions in a child's life but also how time is spent between parents and children, keeping the child's welfare as the main priority.

Ohio law typically presumes that it is in the best interests of the child to maintain a relationship with both parents unless there are specific reasons that justify limiting a parent's rights. This presumption applies to both mothers and fathers, regardless of gender. However, there are instances where one parent's rights may be questioned, such as allegations of abuse, neglect, or if a parent is unable to meet the child's basic needs. An understanding of these laws is crucial for parents aiming to assert and protect their rights effectively in such sensitive matters.

Mother's Rights in Ohio

In a divorce, or when unmarried couples separate, the court has to determine which parent will have custody of the children as well as the financial obligations of the parents. In many situations, the mother is the parent who has had primary responsibility for raising the children. However, when the parents separate, those roles can begin to shift. It is often beneficial for mothers to have legal guidance when demonstrating their parenting capabilities and the positive impact on their child's life.

We have worked with many married and unmarried mothers to highlight their parenting abilities and defend their rights. Our firm supports mothers through comprehensive representation that seeks to affirm their crucial role within the family unit. This involves advocating for mothers in various capacities, from fighting for fair custody arrangements to ensuring reasonable financial support agreements that reflect the child's and mother's needs. By strategically showcasing the mother's involvement and contributions to the child's upbringing, we aim to uphold and protect their parental rights effectively.

Custody Rights

Mothers in Ohio have the right to seek custody of their children in family law proceedings. If a mother and father are unmarried, the mother automatically has legal and physical custody of the child unless a court order states otherwise. For married couples, custody decisions are made based on what is in the best interests of the child. Understanding the custody landscape in Ohio is critical as courts assess multiple factors, such as each parent's ability to provide a nurturing environment, the emotional bonds with the child, and the child's own wishes if they are of suitable age.

• Physical Custody: The mother may be awarded primary physical custody of the child, meaning the child lives with her the majority of the time.
• Legal Custody: This refers to the right to make major decisions regarding the child's health, education, and welfare. Ohio courts typically favor shared legal custody, allowing both parents to have a voice in these important matters unless it is deemed unfit for one parent to do so.

In any custody dispute, the court will base its decision on the child's best interests. Factors considered include the child's relationship with each parent, the stability of the home environment, and the ability of each parent to provide for the child's physical and emotional needs. Legal guidance can greatly enhance a mother's ability to present these factors compellingly in court, influencing the final custody outcome in her favor.

Visitation Rights

Even if a mother is awarded primary custody, the non-custodial parent (typically the father) is still entitled to visitation rights unless there is a concern regarding the child's safety or well-being. Visitation is typically awarded in a way that allows the child to maintain a meaningful relationship with both parents. When disputes over visitation arise, it often involves detailed scrutiny of how visitation schedules can serve the child's best interests without compromising their safety or emotional welfare.

If the father is denied visitation or if there are concerns that the mother is not adhering to a visitation schedule, it is essential to seek legal assistance to enforce these rights. Swift legal action can prevent prolonged conflicts and ensure that all parties adhere to agreed-upon or court-ordered visitation terms. Legal representation can also assist mothers in negotiating visitation terms that reflect the family's unique needs and circumstances, ensuring harmonious relationships post-separation.

Child Support Rights

Mothers also have the right to seek child support from the father if they are the custodial parent. In Ohio, child support is calculated based on a formula that takes into account the income of both parents, the amount of time the child spends with each parent, and the needs of the child. 

A mother may seek child support in any of the following circumstances: 

• If she is the primary custodial parent.
• If the father is not providing adequate financial support for the child's needs.
• If a father is not paying court-ordered support, the mother may file a motion for enforcement.

Both parents, and even grandparents, have rights and responsibilities, and resolving issues effectively can help ease the stress and emotional impact on families and children. We will advocate for mothers to seek a resolution that is in the best interests of the child, and which respects the role the Mother has maintained in the lives of her children. 

Attorney Scopetti has successfully represented many mothers in custody cases. As Columbus, being one of the more populous cities in Ohio, has its unique demographic challenges, understanding these dynamics can aid in crafting effective child support arguments tailored to individual client circumstances.

Father's Rights in Ohio

Ohio courts are moving toward a more progressive view of parental rights, in which fathers are given equal consideration in custody and visitation matters. Seeking representation from an experienced Columbus family law attorney can help ensure you are treated fairly. Fathers should be aware of their right to participate equally in their children's lives and can benefit from knowledgeable advocacy in asserting these rights without bias.

Fathers' rights have historically been misunderstood, but recent legal adjustments emphasize the importance of paternal involvement in childrearing. Columbus, for example, experiences diverse family structures, adding complexity to custody discussions. Understanding these societal developments can enhance fathers' cases when seeking to modify existing arrangements or challenge unfair perceptions. An attorney who understands the nuances of state and city laws can provide strategic advice tailored to each father's personal situation.

How Our Columbus Parental Rights Attorney Can Help

Parents who are facing legal challenges regarding custody, visitation, or child support issues can benefit greatly from legal representation. 

Our experienced Columbus parental rights lawyer can: 

• Assist with custody disputes: Whether you're fighting for custody or seeking a modification, a lawyer can help present your case in the best possible light.
• Help establish or challenge paternity: If you are an unmarried father, an attorney can assist with establishing paternity and ensuring that your rights are recognized.
• Represent you in child support cases: If you're facing a dispute over child support, a parental rights attorney can ensure that support is calculated fairly, or help you modify the amount if circumstances have changed.
• Enforce visitation orders: If visitation rights are being denied or altered without proper legal cause, an attorney can help enforce the terms of your visitation arrangement.
• Handle domestic violence & abuse allegations: In cases where allegations of abuse or neglect are involved, legal counsel is necessary to protect your rights and defend against any wrongful claims.

To learn more, contact our Columbus parental rights attorney at Nina P. Scopetti Attorney At Law. We can be reached at (614) 664-6409.