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Columbus Child Custody Attorneys

Protecting Your Child’s Future and Your Parental Rights in Ohio

Often, the most contentious part of a divorce is the matter of who will gain primary custody of the children and how parenting time will be determined. Sometimes these decisions can be made amicably, and other times the matter requires the litigation skills of an experienced custody attorney in Ohio who can argue the matter before a family law court judge.

If you need help resolving a child custody case or creating an effective parenting plan, we are here to serve as your reliable legal guides. With more than 40 years of combined experience and four Board Certified family law experts on staff, Grossman Law Offices has the skills to obtain positive results for you and your children.

Our team of Columbus child custody lawyers has been voted to the list of "Best Law Firms” by U.S. News – Best Lawyers every year since its inception, and we’re here to apply that knowledge and experience to your case.

Worried about your child custody rights or need help developing a parenting plan? Give our team a call at (614) 344-4311 or contact us online for an initial consultation.

Our Clients Deserve the Best

  • “The first thing I noticed with Tracy was, "wow he really knows his stuff"!”

    - Jessica
  • “I highly recommend Tracy Younkin for his services. He has stood by my side over several years helping me get through several, unavoidable rounds of child custody battles. Tracy handles business with the perfect balance of focus on both business needs and p”

    - Rhonda
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  • BBB Torch Awards for Ethics
    BBB Torch Awards for Ethics

    Grossman Law Offices is honored to be a finalist in the 2022 BBB Torch Awards for Ethics

  • AV Preeminent
    AV Preeminent

    Three of the firm's attorneys earned an honor from Martindale-Hubbell for their achievements.

  • American College
    American College

    Andrew Grossman is a Diplomate of the ACFTL, which consists of the top 100 family law attorneys in the U.S.

  • American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
    American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers

    Two of our attorneys at Grossman Law Offices are fellows of the AAML.

  • Super Lawyers
    Super Lawyers

    Seven of our attorneys have been named to the list of Super Lawyers or Super Lawyers Rising Stars.

  • Best Law Firms
    Best Law Firms

    We've consistently been selected to the list of Best Law Firms by U.S. News at the highest ranking.

  • Best Lawyers
    Best Lawyers

    Four of our attorneys were selected to the list of Best Lawyers in America.

  • Board Certified
    Board Certified

    Four of our attorneys are Board Certified Family Law specialists by the Ohio State Bar Association.

  • Columbus CEO Best Lawyers
    Columbus CEO Best Lawyers

    We’re pleased to announce that three Grossman Law Attorneys have been named to the 2022 Columbus CEO’s “Best Lawyers” list.

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What Is the Difference Between Sole & Joint Custody?

Before discussing sole and joint custody, it is important to understand the difference between physical custody and legal custody.

What Is Physical Custody?

Physical custody means that a parent has the right to have a child live with him or her.

What Is Legal Custody?

Legal custody, on the other hand, means that a parent has the legal right and obligation to make decisions about the child’s upbringing.

This includes decisions about their:

  • Medical care
  • Schooling
  • And religious upbringing

Physical and legal custody can be either sole or shared.

Understanding Sole Physical Custody

Sole physical custody means that the child will live with one parent and visit with the other parent, unless the court deems the other parent unfit.

A parent can be deemed unfit in cases involving:

  • Neglect or abuse
  • Alcohol or drug dependency
  • And more

Joint Physical Custody Explained

Joint physical custody means that a child will spend a significant amount of time living with both parents, while joint legal custody gives both parents a say in how to raise and care for the child.

Generally, the courts prefer to grant joint custody in order to allow a child to continue a healthy relationship with both parents. Of course, the court will place the best interests of the child at the forefront of any decision.

If it will benefit the child more to only have contact with one parent, then that is what the court will order.

Contact our Columbus child custody lawyers for more information by calling (614) 344-4311 or by filling out our online form.

How Is Child Custody Determined in Ohio?

During a divorce that involves children – whether biological, adopted, or from a previous marriage – the family law court judge will make the final decision on where the child will live, as well as the parenting plan and visitation for both parents.

While parents are encouraged to come to an amicable agreement about parenting time and custody, the court will still always rule with the child’s best interests in mind.

Shared parenting is typically favored by the courts, but that does not necessarily mean that parenting time will be a 50/50 split between parents: One parent will usually be named the primary or “custodial” parent, with the other retaining legal custody and remaining entitled to parenting time with their child.

In Ohio, you can also file for joint or shared physical custody, as long as you submit an eligible parenting plan to the court.

What Factors Are Considered When Determining Custody in Ohio?

There are a number of factors that the court considers when making decisions about custody, parenting time, and visitation, including:

  • The mental and physical health of both parents and children
  • Each parent’s home environment and financial resources
  • Each parent’s working situation and job location
  • The relationship the child has with both parents
  • The child’s wishes, if the child is old enough
  • Any history of sexual abuse, neglect, domestic abuse, or child abuse
  • Plans to move out of the area, or a previous move out of the area
  • The child’s adjustments to their community, school, and home
  • The child’s relationship with loved ones, friends, siblings, and parents

Parents are rarely denied all custody of their child unless they have a history of abuse, erratic behavior, and violence. However, if you have concerns about abusive behavior from your future ex-spouse, our Columbus custody attorneys can help you figure out the right course of action to protect your child.

Wholly Matrimony

Jeff and Andrew Grossman’s legal column for the Columbus Dispatch, has resulted in a bank of questions and answers on very specific subjects. Take advantage of our attorneys’ expertise
 and wealth of knowledgeable insight! 

Speak With a Board Certified Family Law Specialist Today

Whether you are still in the process of preparing to file for divorce or you are already deep into the legal weeds, hiring the right firm to represent you will put you in the best position to secure a favorable outcome. Our Columbus child custody lawyers at Grossman Law Offices have spent decades working with people throughout Ohio, and have vast knowledge and experience you can rely on. Our goal is to help you obtain the child custody rights you desire in order to continue playing an active role in the upbringing of your child.

For the client-focused approach your case deserves, do not hesitate to reach out to our team of Columbus, Ohio custody attorneys at (614) 344-4311 or contact us online today.

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