Resolving Child Custody Challenges In Cleveland

Family law attorney Erin Adams Armstrong has dedicated her career to helping families in the greater Cleveland communities resolve their legal challenges. She is passionate about guiding her clients through whatever their challenges might be so that they can find brighter futures. She founded Armstrong Law Offices in West Park to provide quality legal services to clients outside of downtown Cleveland.

If you are a parent who is dealing with a child custody issue, Ohio courts funnel cases based on whether the child’s parents are married. Child custody attorney Armstrong can provide you with legal guidance and advice regarding child custody issues for a divorce in the Domestic Relations Division or for a paternity or nonmarital separation in the Juvenile Division.

Parental Rights In Ohio: The Difference Between Married And Unmarried Parents

In Ohio, parental rights vary significantly between married and unmarried parents. When a child is born to married parents, both parents are automatically recognized as the legal parents, sharing equal rights and responsibilities. This means that both parents have the legal authority to make decisions about their child’s upbringing, education, and health care.

For unmarried parents, the situation is different. The mother is automatically recognized as the legal parent, and the father must establish paternity to gain legal parental rights. This can be done voluntarily by signing an Acknowledgment of Paternity affidavit at the hospital or through a court order. Paternity actions are handled in Ohio’s juvenile court system. Once paternity is established, the father can seek custody or visitation rights and may also be responsible for child support.

The Role Of The Juvenile Court When Unmarried Parents Are Separating

When married parents decide to divorce, the Domestic Relations Division handles their child custody issues. However, for unmarried parents who are separating, child custody and related matters are addressed differently. In Ohio, the Juvenile Division of the court steps in to resolve these issues. This division deals with child custody, visitation and child support for parents who were never married. Additionally, the Juvenile Division also handles property division and other separation matters.

How Do The Ohio Courts Decide Custody?

Regardless of which court is deciding your case, Ohio courts prioritize the best interests of the child when deciding custody arrangements. Several factors come into play during this decision-making process. These include the following:

• The court considers each parent’s ability to provide for the child’s needs, including their emotional, educational and physical care.
• They also look at the child’s relationship with each parent, their siblings and other significant individuals.
• The child’s wishes may be taken into account, depending on their age and maturity.
• The court also evaluates each parent’s mental and physical health, any history of abuse or neglect, and each parent’s willingness to encourage a positive relationship between the child and the other parent.

Whether the case is in juvenile court for a paternity action or the domestic relations court for a divorce, child custody decisions are decided based on what is in the best interests of the child. However, the court has a lot of discretion.

In addition, there are some eccentricities to be aware of, and these can vary wildly from county to county. Attorney Armstrong has experience working with both court systems. She regularly practices in Cuyahoga, Medina, and Lorain counties. Her longevity in the field and her dedication to the Cleveland community have earned her a respected reputation in domestic relations and juvenile courts.

Ohio Cases Of Abuse, Dependency And Neglect

The Juvenile Division also hears matters of abuse, dependency, and neglect. In these cases, the parent or legal custodian of a minor child allegedly abused or neglected that child. This could have occurred either proactively or through the legal custodian’s inaction. While these cases do not involve jail consequences for the parent, they can result in the child’s removal from the home. Ultimately, parental rights could also be terminated if the parent or custodian fails to remedy the situation. Attorney Armstrong provides representation and legal counsel for parents facing accusations of abuse, dependency, or neglect.

Consult A Cleveland Child Custody Attorney

Do you need a West Park child custody lawyer? Attorney Armstrong offers an initial consultation appointment. During this meeting, she will listen to the facts and circumstances of your case, answer your questions, and tell you more about how she can help you with your child custody conflicts and challenges.

To schedule a confidential appointment, you can contact Armstrong Law Offices by sending a message through the website or by calling 216-910-5559.