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Child Custody Serving Columbus and Central Ohio Since 1977

Columbus Child Custody Lawyer

Serving Clients Throughout Central Ohio

Dealing with the realities of divorce can be both legally complex and emotionally arduous--especially when a couple has children. However, whether a couple is married or not, child custody cases are especially difficult. Whether parents are married or not can even change the rules used by the Court throughout your case. Our Columbus and Central Ohio child custody lawyers have extensive knowledge of Ohio law and courts and are adept at advocating for our clients and their children. We strive to ensure that our clients’ best interests are protected throughout their custody case and help them advocate for the best interest of their children.

Kemp, Schaeffer & Rowe has been fighting for parents and children throughout Central Ohio for over 45 years. Call our law office at (614) 665-5833 or reach out online to set up a consultation.

The Types of Child Custody in Ohio 

Child custody cases and family law issues can be  settled in negotiation/mediation, or decided by a court through litigation. The major legal decisions that need to be made regarding parenting your children are divided into two broad areas. The parents must agree in settlement or mediation, or a court must decide both the legal custody and arrangements for parenting time (formerly known as visitation). There must then be a further agreement or decision as to whether the parents will be shared parents with a shared parenting plan or whether one parent will have sole custody in Columbus, Ohio. 

Sole Custody

Sole custody pertains not only to deciding where the children will primarily reside. Sole custody involves one parent having all decision-making authority in significant aspects of the children’s lives.

Determining a child's religious upbringing, for instance, is a decision made by the parent who is sole legal custodian and residential parent. Similarly, if a child requires surgery, the question of who has the authority to make the decision to follow through with the doctor's recommendation arises. The decision will be made by the parent who holds sole custody.

Decisions about schooling, which school district the child will attend, and what extracurricular activities they can participate in, also fall under sole custody. For example, if the parents live in different school districts, usually the child is only able to attend school as a resident of the district where the residential parent lives, even if they are spending half of their time with the non-residential parent.

Is It Hard for a Father to Get Full Custody in Ohio?

It can be challenging to get full custody of a child in Ohio. The court will use the "better parent" standard when a parent requests sole child custody. This means one parent must convince the family court that the other parent is better.

Let the experienced Columbus child custody attorneys at KSR negotiate and advocate for  you to help protect the best interests of yourself and your children. 

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Five-Star Client Testimonials

In Their Own Words

At KSR Legal, we prioritize your experience, and it shows. Read some of our client reviews below, or call us at (614) 665-5833 to get started.

    "Fantastic Experience!"

    Steve is great and willing to help in any way he can!! Suzette doesn't skip a beat, and keeps it all on track!!!

    - Heather L.
    "Highly Recommended!"

    We couldn't be more thankful. Steven definitely made the process very easy and as stress-free as possible.

    - Maria J.
    "A Great Experience"

    I was very pleased with Mr. Yarmesch, He stayed in contact with me, and returned my phone calls and emails promptly. Most importantly he negotiated a satisfactory outcome.

    - Former Client
    "Top-Notch Service!"

    KSR is amazing and they are my go-to lawyers!

    - Don B.
    "The Best Family Law Attorney!"

    Matthew is very professional & knowledgeable. He has helped me in many ways with obtaining shared parenting with my child. He is very professional with time management of deadlines in all cases and really is a overall great attorney to hire for all fam

    - Former Client

Contact Us Today

Serving Clients Throughout Central Ohio

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