When a custody dispute arises, what actions should one take? Is this a matter that should be handled alone or with help? Unfortunately, sometimes, when parents — whether in Ohio or elsewhere — take matters into their own hands, rash decisions are made and criminal consequences may follow. A family law matter, such as dealing with a child dispute, does not need to have criminal consequences if it is handled the right way.
A father and son in another state were arrested and charged following a custody dispute that occurred in 2016. A 31-year-old male was allegedly concerned about the safety and welfare of his two children, ages 10 and 5, so he broke into his estranged wife’s home in order to collect them. His father supposedly assisted him in this endeavor.
Of course, the children’s mother reported the incident to authorities. A couple hours later, the man took his children to the police station. There he offered an explanation of his actions. He and his father were placed under arrest, and the children were returned to their mom.
As a result of this incident, the father and son duo were charged with child custody interference and burglary. However, their cases have both been moved to a court intervention program. This requires that they both perform community service, attend anger management and fulfill various other requirements in order to have their criminal cases dismissed.
When a custody dispute happens, an experienced family law attorney can help a client in Ohio take the necessary actions to resolve the situations so that the best interests of the affected children are placed front and center. If it is a situation that requires immediate attention, a motion for an emergency hearing can be filed. If it is something that can be privately negotiated, an attorney or mediator can be there to provide guidance. If the case requires litigation, one’s legal counsel will work diligently to present one’s case in court and fight to protect the children and one’s parental rights. By taking the appropriate actions for one’s situation, criminal consequences should not even become an issue.
Source: njherald.com, “Father, son charged with interference of custody entered into PTI“, Joe Carlson, March 21, 2017