Our Commitment To Family
In Ohio, the determination of child custody is based on many factors designed to assess the child’s best interests. These include the preferences of both the parents and the child, the nature of familial relationships, the health of all parties involved, and the impact of potential changes in the child’s environment. One of our responsibilities as your legal representation is to present these factors to the court to help convince them to rule in a way that benefits you and your family.
As your legal team, Zashin Law prioritizes creating a nurturing and fair environment that supports your children’s well-being. Our lawyers are committed to exploring every strategic avenue to achieve the outcomes that best serve both the children and the family unit. Our approach is comprehensive, taking into consideration every detail that could impact your child’s future and your parental rights.
We also understand that child custody problems go beyond the courtroom, and we are adept at seeking alternative resolution methods like negotiating to reach an agreeable resolution. No matter what course of action is best for your family’s needs, we are prepared to craft a custom-tailored plan to pursue a positive environment for your children that ensures balanced time with each parent while accommodating their needs.
Answering Frequently Asked Child Custody Questions
The emotional and contentious nature of child custody cases often leads to clients having many concerns and questions. We will keep you informed during every step of this process, but we understand that you have serious questions that may need answering right now. Here are the most commonly asked questions we receive from clients, which we hope will provide some clarity for you:
How do courts typically resolve custody matters?
As mentioned above, Ohio courts determine child custody based on factors related to the “best interests of the child.” Gone are the days when one parent is presumed to have full custody, and the other parent only gets the kids every other weekend. Instead, family courts look at the big picture to find a solution that satisfies all parties while prioritizing the child’s well-being. It’s important to have an attorney during this process to advocate for you and your child’s specific needs and goals.
Should we consider mediating a custody dispute?
Mediation is when a neutral third-party mediator facilitates discussion between parents regarding legal issues. For child custody cases, mediation may help parents control more of the outcome as they are leading negotiations themselves instead of leaving the decision up to the court. In some circumstances, this is the best approach to take to resolve a child custody dispute. Mediation is also more private and can keep your child away from courtroom drama.
However, when disputes cannot be resolved through mediation, litigation may be the proper choice for parents to protect the time they have with their children.
What if a parent wants to move away with the kids?
If custody is yet to be resolved, this may be a factor that the courts will consider during this time. If the custody order has already been determined, any modifications to that order may require the relocating parent to seek the court’s permission to move. Relocation with children impacts the parenting time of the other parent, so they cannot move without modifying the custody order in a way that continues to provide reasonable parenting time for both parents.
What if my ex-spouse has taken the kids back to their home county and cut off my access to them?
These cases are highly complex and require thorough review to determine the appropriate next steps. Your ex-spouse cannot leave the country with your children without consent. If this has happened, you need the skill and experience of an attorney familiar with international family law. We know how serious and sensitive these cases can be and will work diligently to help you protect your kids and your parental rights.
Keep Your Family Together
If you are navigating the complexities of child custody and need experienced guidance, Zashin Law is here to support you. We are prepared to help you achieve an outcome that provides your children with the stability and nurturing environment they deserve.
Contact our Cleveland office at 888-875-5772 or email us here to schedule your initial consultation. Choosing Zashin Law means selecting a partner who values your family’s needs as much as you do, so contact us today.
