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Know Your Rights Regarding Child Custody

Child custody is one issue that requires divorcing parents to step back from their anger and distrust of each other and concentrate on the best interests of their children. In fact, Ohio courts require this. If neither party submits a reasonable parenting plan to the court for approval, the judge will determine what he or she believes to be best for the children.

At our Springboro, Ohio, law firm, Smith, Meier & Webb, LPA, our lawyers help clients focus on their children and develop a child custody plan that works, that the court will accept, and that is in the best interests of the children. Our principal lawyer, John D. Smith, has been practicing law since 1980; he draws upon his extensive experience with child custody and other family law matters to help clients keep the focus where it belongs — on the children.

Options In Child Custody

Parents can develop a variety of child custody proposals that include reasonable visitation for one party and residential custody for the other. The court prefers shared parenting because each parent contributes different skills and qualities to the parent-child relationship. Shared parenting also means that each parent participates with the other in making decisions about important issues such as religion, education and health. Although shared parenting is an option, it may involve too much disruption for a child — another issue the court looks at — and may not be workable. Our attorneys advise parents about their options and help them arrive at the best possible custody arrangements.

Post-Decree Issues

Child custody arrangements can be modified after the final divorce decree if the court agrees. Our law firm works with parents whose circumstances have changed to the point where their custody orders require modification. Reasons for modifications of custody include:

  • Work schedule changes
  • Disability or illness
  • Remarriage
  • Relocation
  • Incarceration

Our law firm helps people develop new parenting agreements if the old ones no longer work. As always, we focus on the best interests of the children and keep clients focused on their goals.

Schedule A Consultation To Discuss Any Further Issues

To learn more about child custody and modifications, contact our Springboro office. Call us at 937-557-0128 or 513-445-5017 to schedule an appointment.