Ohio Child Custody Laws

Ohio Child Custody Issues & Resources


Ohio Child Custody



Ohio child custody will be awarded based upon the best interests of the child. In determining best interests, an Ohio Court will consider the following factors: 
  • the preference of the child, if the child is of sufficient age and capacity;

  • the child's adjustment to his or her home, school, and community;

  • the mental and physical health of all individuals involved; 

  • the relationship of the child with parents, siblings, and other significant family members; 

  • whether one parent has willfully denied visitation to the other parent;

  • any child or spousal abuse; 

  • whether either parent lives or intends to live outside of Ohio;

  • the ability of the parents to cooperate and make joint decisions; 

  • the health and safety of the child; 

  • any history of child abuse, spouse abuse, domestic violence by a parent or anyone who is or will be a member of the household where the child will reside, or parental kidnapping;

  • the geographic proximity of the parents to each other as it relates to shared parenting; 

  • the child's and parent's available time;

  • the child's available time to spend with any siblings;

  • any failure to pay child support; and

  • any other relevant factors.

In Ohio, for shared parenting to be awarded, the parties must request such a child custody arrangement and submit a parenting plan to the Court. Evidence of neglect, child or spousal abuse will be considered against the granting of shared parenting or such parent being granted the status as residential parent.

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