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How do Ohio judges divide custody during a divorce?

On Behalf of | Jun 3, 2024 | Family Law |

Some parents preparing for divorce in Ohio qualify for dissolution. They work out agreements with each other that allow them to pursue an uncontested filing. They make their own arrangements and therefore have control over the final terms for both custody matters and property division concerns.

Quite a few couples may find it difficult to cooperate with each other during divorce proceedings. Their intense emotions or differing priorities leave them unable to compromise with each other. Parents sometimes need to have a family law judge look at their situation and make a decision about the best way to divide parental rights and responsibilities.

How do family law judges typically handle contested custody cases in Ohio?

Judges want what is best for the children

Adults preparing for divorce litigation sometimes approach the matter with the wrong perspective. They focus on their own rights and wishes. However, the courts want to prioritize the best outcome for the children in the family. After all, they have no control over the situation and could experience significant emotional and social setbacks when their parents divorce.

Judges in Ohio look at many details about the family to determine the best way to divide parenting time and decision-making authority. The ages and needs of the children, the existing relationship those children have with their parents and even household schedules can influence the terms set.

Even parents who have historically had minimal parenting time due to career obligations can step up and become involved parents after a divorce. That is typically what a judge wants from parents. Judges prefer to see parents cooperating with each other and focusing on the needs of the children rather than using their children as ways to hurt or punish each other.

If one parent intends to seek sole custody or a majority of the parenting time with the children, they typically need evidence to support their claim that such arrangements are what is best for their children. Parents typically need to find ways to set aside their conflicts to prioritize their children when they divorce.

Those who understand how judges make custody choices can develop more effective strategies as they prepare for family court. Setting achievable custody goals can potentially reduce the unnecessary conflict between parents who have decided to end an Ohio marriage.