Child Custody Attorney in Lancaster, Ohio

Call and schedule a meeting with a child custody attorney. Make an appointment for a consultation: (614) 297-1211.

Gary J. Gottfried Co. proudly serves Lancaster, Ohio.

Experienced Child Custody Attorney Serving Lancaster, OH

Gary J. Gottfried Co. has more than 30 years of courtroom experience and is proud to serve Lancaster, Ohio as a child custody attorney. If you are in need to a child custody attorney that will guide you through the process, then contact Gottfried Family Law offices now.

Child Custody Law, Lancaster, Ohio

What is commonly known as “custody” is referred to in Ohio courts as the allocation of parental rights and responsibilities. Parents who have “custody” are now, instead, designated as the residential parent and legal custodian. However, since the concepts are the same, the term “custody” is used here. Please be advised that we recommend you schedule and appointment for any legal advice for your child custody case in Lancaster, Ohio.

Possible Child Custody Legal Outcomes in Lancaster, Ohio

There are a number of possible outcomes with respect to child custody in Lancaster, Ohio, including: (1) sole custody, in which the court awards custody of all children to one parent only; (2) shared parenting, in which the court awards custody of all children to both parents; and (3) split custody, in which the court awards custody of at least one child to each parent in Lancaster, Ohio.

If you are in need of legal advice, then we suggest scheduling an appointment to speak with a child custody attorney. Call us (614) 297-1211.

Child Custody Legal Rights, Lancaster, OH

The legal relationship of the parties has a significant impact when it comes time for a court to make an original custody determination. For married parties, both parents have equal legal custody of their child and, consequently, are on equal footing before the court when terminating their marriage. For unmarried parties, the mother has custody and the father has no legal custody rights until the same is established by a court – even if the father’s paternity has been established and/or a child support order is in place.

Third Party Child Custody Laws, Lancaster, OH

With respect to “third party” custody (e.g. grandparents, relatives, same sex parties), the moving party must prove the constitutional standard of unsuitability as it relates to the biological parent(s) in order to obtain custodial rights. While this standard generally requires the moving party to prove that the biological parent is “unfit” to parent, the moving party (particularly in same sex child custody cases in Lancaster, Ohio) can also attempt to prove that the biological parent waived their constitutionally protected parenting rights in Lancaster, Ohio.

"I recommend Gary Gottfried. I hired Gary 1-6 months ago. Gary handled my Child Custody matter. I have previously worked with 3-5 lawyers. I hired Gary Gottfried to help with a custody issue. Mr. Gottfried was extremely helpful, knowledgable and I received exactly what was needed in the situation. He is an amazing communicator, always kept me up to date on every detail and made me feel at ease in a very uneasy situation. Mr. Gottfried always made sure my child’s best interest was first and foremost. I would hire him in any other future issues I may have. I would recommend him to any and every one."
- Mollie, a child custody client.

Child Custody Law: Statutory Factors, Lancaster, OH

Ohio courts typically make custody determinations and decisions regarding parenting / companionship time based upon a standard of what is in the best interests of the child (except that unsuitability must first be proven in “third party” custody cases). When evaluating what is in the best interests of a child, the court must consider the statutory factors found at R.C. 3109.04(F)(1).

R.C. 3109.04(F)(1) Factors are as Follows:

1. The wishes of the child's parents regarding the child's care;
2. The wishes and concerns of the child, as expressed to the court if the court has interviewed the child in chambers
3. The child’s interaction and interrelationship with the parents, siblings and any other person who may significantly affect the child’s best interest;
4. The child’s adjustment to the child’s home, school and community;
5. The mental and physical health of all persons involved;
6. The parent more likely to honor and facilitate court-approved parenting time or visitation;
7. Whether either parent has failed to make all child support payments;
8. Whether either parent has committed acts of domestic violence or any act that resulted in the child being adjudicated an abused or neglected child;
9. Whether the residential parent or one of the parents subject to a shared parenting decree has denied parenting time to the other parent;
10. Whether either parent has established a residence (or is planning to) outside of Ohio

If you have any questions for a Lancaster, Ohio child custody attorney, then please feel free to contact us. We are here to service the city of Lancaster!

Gottfried Law LPA is a National Top 100 Child Custody Lawyer based in Westerville Ohio. Proudly serving Lancaster, Ohio.

What to Expect with a Child Custody Case, Lancaster, OH

Like child support, child custody and parenting time can be modified during any period of time that an Ohio court maintains jurisdiction over a child. Whether a party is seeking to change custody and/or modify parenting time can dictate what standard the court will apply (e.g. change of circumstances and/or best interests of the child), as can the county in which a case is pending for the reason that Ohio appellate courts continue to develop precedent after a key Supreme Court of Ohio decision in 2007 in Fisher v. Hasenjager, 116 Ohio St.3d 53, 2007-Ohio5589. Schedule an appointment and speak with a child custody attorney today; we proudly serve Lancaster, Ohio.

Your Experienced Child Custody Attorney Serving Lancaster, OH

The attorneys at Gary J. Gottfried Co., L.P.A. have litigated child custody cases throughout trial courts in Ohio and have experience handling appellate issues through the highest court in the state, the Supreme Court of Ohio. Additionally, since his role as lead counsel in Friedrich v. Friedrich, 78 F.3d 1060 (6th Circ. 1996), Gary Gottfried has counseled many families in federal child custody cases seeking the return of children pursuant to the Hague Convention. With their vast experience and continued focus on remaining informed of all developments in the law, the attorneys at Gary J. Gottfried Co., L.P.A. will be able to assist you with any child custody issue(s) that you are confronting. Call or email us today to schedule an appointment with a child custody attorney.

Child Custody Attorney Serving Lancaster, Ohio

Navigating child custody matters can be emotionally challenging, but with Gottfried Law by your side, you can trust that your family's best interests are our top priority. As your dedicated child custody attorney serving Lancaster, Ohio, we understand the importance of finding amicable solutions that prioritize the well-being of your children. With our compassionate approach and extensive legal expertise, we'll guide you through every step of the custody process, from negotiations and mediation to courtroom representation if necessary.

At Gottfried Law, we recognize that every family situation is unique, which is why we take the time to understand your specific needs and concerns. Whether you're seeking sole custody, joint custody, or modifications to an existing custody arrangement, we'll work tirelessly to advocate for your rights and achieve the best possible outcome for your family. With our experienced team of legal professionals by your side, you can have confidence knowing that your case is in capable hands.

Don't face child custody battles alone—let Gottfried Law provide the compassionate support and skilled representation you deserve. Schedule a consultation with our child custody attorney in Lancaster, Ohio, and take the first step toward securing a brighter future for you and your children.