During custody cases, judges strive to create arrangements that serve the best interest of the child. However, factors considered in the decision-making process are based on each state's custody laws. Here's what Ohio parents need to know for a better idea of potential outcomes. 

How Child Custody Is Determined in Ohio

When determining parental rights and responsibilities, Ohio courts consider the needs of the child above all else. Based on the observations of court-appointed social workers, for example, a judge will consider the child's relationship with each parent to ensure they have the emotional support necessary to thrive. Each parent's mental and physical health are important factors that shed light on whether they can provide a stable home life and tend to the youngster's daily requirements. 

How the child has adjusted after the divorce also matters. In an effort to cause as few disruptions to their life as possible, an Ohio judge might strive for an arrangement that allows the child to continue to live in the family home with siblings and attend the same school. Under Ohio's custody laws, a child's reasoning skills and maturity are assessed to determine whether they are old enough to express their wishes regarding which parent they live with. 

What Can Influence the Outcome?

Each parent's willingness to foster the child's relationship with the other parent is important. Saying disparaging remarks about your ex in front of the child, for example, is a bad idea. If your ex has evidence of this behavior, you could be accused of parental alienation (or trying to damage the youngster's relationship with their other parent). This could affect your request for sole custody. 

When there's evidence one parent has a history of domestic violence or child neglect, a court might fear for the youngster's safety. In this case, that parent might be awarded supervised visitation. A parent might get visitation instead of physical custody if they have a history of untreated drug or alcohol abuse, as the court will question whether they can provide a stable home and make sound decisions on the child's behalf.

For help reaching a custody agreement with your ex or settling a dispute in Ohio's family court system, reach out to Hearn Law Office in Wapakoneta. With over 30 years of experience, the attorneys have been using their knowledge of custody law to offer clients in the Auglaize County community customized legal advice to get the parenting schedule preferences they want. Meet the lawyers online, and call (419) 738-8171 for a consultation.