By Sebi Makis
If you are considering a divorce, you might be wondering whether or not you can see your children again. Fortunately, the courts in Ohio don’t want to cause a strain in a relationship between parents unless a parent is not suitable to care for a minor child. Thus, you will always be your child’s parent unless you consent to an adoption. But, during divorce proceedings, the court will decide to split parenting time in the best interest of your child. A divorce attorney delaware ohio can walk you through court-ordered custody and parenting time arrangements to help you set realistic expectations and understand your rights.
Custodial Arrangements in Ohio
In Ohio, parents can be awarded sole custody or shared parenting, which differ in the decision-making rights of the parents. The parent who gets sole custody makes decisions and takes action about the child’s care and welfare including medical care, health insurance, education, religion, and extracurricular activities. When divorcing couples get a shared parenting arrangement, they are both legally rightful to discuss and make final decisions for the child. To determine which arrangement is appropriate for a family, the court considers the best interest of the child including their comfort, their wishes and the wishes of their parents, the mental and physical health of both parents and the child, and other factors.
Knowing Your Options to Set a Parenting Time Schedule
Aside from determining whether parents must make joint decisions regarding their children, the courts in Ohio should also determine when both parents will see their children. In general, the children will live mainly with one parent and see the other every other weekend and sometime during the week.
When you set a parenting time schedule, consider agreeing to tailor it around your family’s needs. Studies show that young children can benefit from seeing both parents more frequently during the week. But, no matter the parenting time schedule you set, you and your ex can attend school events and the extracurricular activities of your children. Such occasions will give extra time for both of you to have contact with your kids and support their interests. Parenting time schedules that the court orders allow for you and your ex to have vacation time during the year, as well as allocate holidays and days of special meanings. But, even if the court recommended parenting time schedules, you can deviate from these or come up with a different schedule. The court will just need to ensure it is in the best interest of your children.
