At Gavvl Law, we offer limited scope services for drafting a Motion for Custody. Our experienced attorneys will assist you in preparing the motion and any required documents necessary to seek custody arrangements that meet your needs. If you are seeking shared parenting, we will also draft a proposed shared parenting plan to file with the court.

This service focuses solely on document preparation and does not include court appearances or representation at hearings.

Please note that the filing fee for your motion will be set by the county and billed separately from our flat fee for drafting services. If you need more comprehensive assistance, we encourage you to explore our full representation options.

Let us help you navigate the custody process with clarity and confidence.

Motion for Custody (with Paternity if Needed)

$1,250.00

Quantity

Limited scope representation allows you to choose specific aspects of your case where you need legal help, such as drafting documents or providing advice. This option gives you more control and can be more affordable, but it does not include court appearances or complete case management.

Full representation means our attorneys handle your entire case from start to finish. This includes all legal documents, court appearances, and ongoing support. It’s ideal if you want comprehensive assistance and peace of mind throughout the process.

Choose the option that best fits your needs and budget!
Pursuing custody in Ohio as an unmarried parent involves several key steps:

Determine Legal Custody Needs: Understand the type of custody you want—whether sole custody (one parent has primary custody) or shared parenting (joint custody).

File a Motion for Custody: Prepare and file a Motion for Custody in the appropriate court (usually the juvenile court in the county where the child resides). This document outlines your request for custody and the reasons for it.

Draft a Proposed Parenting Plan: If seeking shared parenting, create a proposed parenting plan detailing how you and the other parent will share responsibilities and time with the child.

Serve the Other Parent: Ensure that the other parent is properly served with the motion and any related documents. This step is crucial for the court to have jurisdiction.

Attend Mediation (If Required): In many cases, the court may require parents to attend mediation to try to resolve custody disputes amicably.

Court Hearing: If an agreement cannot be reached, a court hearing will be scheduled. Both parents will present their cases, and the court will make a decision based on the child's best interests.

Receive the Court's Decision: After the hearing, the court will issue a ruling on custody. The decision will include details about parenting time and responsibilities.

Follow Up: Once custody is established, make sure to follow the court's orders. If circumstances change, you may need to file for a modification of custody.

Each case is unique, so it’s essential to tailor these steps to your specific situation.
Shared Parenting: In Ohio, shared parenting, also known as joint custody, means that both parents have legal rights and responsibilities for raising their child. This arrangement typically involves both parents making decisions together regarding the child's education, healthcare, and general welfare. Shared parenting plans outline the time each parent will spend with the child, promoting active involvement from both sides. This approach is often favored when both parents can effectively communicate and collaborate for the child's best interests.

Sole Custody: Sole custody, on the other hand, means that one parent has the exclusive legal and physical custody of the child. This parent has the authority to make all major decisions regarding the child's upbringing, including education, healthcare, and residence, without needing input from the other parent. The non-custodial parent may still have visitation rights, but their involvement in decision-making is limited. Sole custody is typically granted when it is determined that it is in the child's best interest, often due to concerns about the other parent's ability to provide a stable environment.

In summary, shared parenting promotes cooperation and involvement from both parents, while sole custody grants one parent full authority over the child's upbringing. The choice between the two is made based on what is deemed best for the child’s welfare.
In Ohio, you typically need to file a motion for paternity along with a motion for custody when:

Establishing Legal Parentage: If the parents are unmarried and there is no legal acknowledgment of paternity (e.g., no voluntary acknowledgment or court order), filing a motion for paternity is necessary to establish that one parent is the legal father before custody can be determined. This is required even where both parents are on the birth certificate. Paternity can be established by acknowledgement, filing of the birth certificate with the court, or by DNA testing. If there is an existing child support order, paternity has already been established.

Seeking Custody Rights: If you want to request custody or parenting time (visitation) and there is no established paternity, you must first establish paternity to gain legal standing in custody matters.

Filing both motions together helps streamline the legal process, ensuring that paternity is established before addressing custody and visitation issues. It's often advisable to consult with an attorney to navigate this process effectively.