Your children are everything. You are everything to them. You were there at their birth, cleaned their diapers, put them on the school bus on their first day of school, and showered them with love and adoration they deserved. Even if the love between you and your spouse has dwindled, the love you have for your children has not. And it is more important than ever to show them that same love you have always had.

A divorce is one of the hardest life events that a family goes through. While the divorce is between the two spouses, it is important to not divorce the whole family. One of the most important considerations in the divorce process is the custody arrangement. Even though you and your spouse are splitting, it is important to maintain the family dynamic so that your children can be properly setup for success.

It is important for your children to grow up in a healthy home where they are able to get the attention, education, and love that they deserve. It is extremely difficult to find that middle ground where both parties are happy and the kids have an equally good upbringing. Divorce affects more than two people; it affects the whole family.

As experienced family law attorneys, we know that child custody is one of the most difficult matters to discuss in a divorce. Whether your divorce is amicable or riddled with difficulties, it is always important to put your child first. Our goal at King, Koligian & Associates is to help you truly decide what will be in the best interest of your children. We know that you may have countless questions regarding the logistical aspects of custody, so it is important to consult with an experienced family law attorney as soon as possible.

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Child Custody in Ohio

In the State of Ohio, the courts rely on factoring what the child’s best interests are when deciding what the custody arrangements will be. There are many factors that go into deciding what the best interest of the child would be. Some factors include:

• The living situations of the parents,
• The school in which the child attends,
• The mental and physical health of the parents,
• And, any history of abuse, neglect, or domestic violence.

It is important to have an honest, open discussion with your ex-spouse and an attorney to truly figure out what is best for your kids prior to the courts making the final decision. If you’re acting in the best interests of your children, it’s definitely possible that the court does not need to be involved at all. We strongly recommend contacting an experienced family law attorney to discuss the matters of the divorce before trying to decide on your own.

There are multiple types of residential parents in the State of Ohio. The most common type that we see is joint legal custody, as usually it is in the best interest of the kids to see both parents. Every case is different however, so what is best in your divorce might not be the best case in another. It is always important to speak with an attorney who has experience with family law to decide what is best for the children. Some of the common types of arrangements include:

• Sole legal custody (residential parent)
• Joint legal custody (only referenced when a non-parent is involved)
• Shared parenting (if both parties are parents)

If you have sole custody of your child or children, it is your responsibility to make decisions on behalf of them, like the school they attend or which doctor they will see. If the arrangement is for joint custody, then both parents will share the responsibility of making these decisions.

The difference in physical and legal custody lies in which house your child will live. A parent with physical custody will live with their child. Having joint legal custody will still allow the parent to make decisions regarding their child; they will just not be able to live together full time. Always consult with an attorney to decide which custody options are right for your child.

Creating a Child Custody Plan

It is important for both of the parents to come together with the help of an experienced family law attorney to create a child custody plan. When crafting this plan, it is important to keep your children’s needs at the forefront of the conversation. This is a time when you need to put aside any bitterness or bad temper aside and come up with an amicable solution.

Whether you decide that daily, weekly, or monthly schedules are best, it is important to make sure that both parents are committed to upholding the schedule. A consistent, loving home is best for your children and family, so make sure whatever plan you adopt is going to be upheld.

For help in putting together a consistent plan, call our experienced family law attorneys today (513) 506-1025.