Protecting Your Parental Rights & Your Child’s Best Interests
Child custody and parenting time decisions have a lasting impact on families. At Fogelman Law Firm, we help parents in Clermont, Hamilton, Butler, Warren, and Brown Counties navigate custody disputes, modifications, and enforcement actions to ensure fair arrangements that serve the best interests of the child.
How Custody & Parenting Time Work in Ohio
Ohio law recognizes two main types of custody:
Legal Custody
The right to make decisions about the child’s day-to-day upbringing.
May be sole legal custody (one parent makes decisions) or shared legal custody (both parents share decision-making authority). In unique circumstances, show courts permit split legal custody.
Physical Custody & Parenting Time
Parenting time (formerly “visitation”) determines where the child resides and the time each parent spends with them.
Courts utilize a wide variety of scheduling patterns to accommodate the child’s best interests. This can include alternating weeks, alternating weekends, a 4-3 schedule, a 2-2-5-5 schedule, a 2-2-3 schedule, or any other method that works best.
Factors Courts Consider in Custody Decisions
Ohio courts prioritize the child’s best interests when determining custody and parenting time, as defined in two separate statutes. Factors include:
Each parent’s ability to provide a stable home environment
The child’s relationship with each parent and siblings
The child’s wishes (if they are of appropriate age and maturity)
The mental and physical health of all parties
Any history of domestic violence or substance abuse
Custody & Parenting Time Services We Provide
We assist clients with:
Establishing Custody & Parenting Time
Representation in initial custody determinations during divorce or separation.
Drafting and negotiating parenting plans that fit your family’s needs.
Modifying Custody & Parenting Time
Changes due to relocation, work schedules, or changes in the child’s needs.
Legal actions if one parent is interfering with custody or visitation.
Enforcing Custody & Parenting Orders
Filing motions for contempt if a parent refuses to comply with a court order.
Seeking court-ordered remedies to ensure compliance with custody arrangements.
Our Legal Process for Custody Cases
We take a child-focused approach to custody and parenting time matters:
Case Evaluation – We assess your current custody arrangement and legal options.
Filing the Motion – We submit necessary legal documents to establish, modify, or enforce custody orders.
Negotiation & Mediation – When possible, we work toward amicable resolutions to minimize conflict.
Court Representation – If needed, we advocate for your parental rights in court.
Common Concerns About Custody & Parenting Time
“Can my child decide which parent to live with?”
➡ The court may consider the child’s wishes, but the decision is based on their best interests.
“What if the other parent refuses to follow the custody order?”
➡ We can file a contempt motion to enforce the order and seek legal remedies.
“Can I modify custody if my ex is moving?”
➡ If the relocation affects the parenting schedule, you may request a modification.
Trusted Advocates for Your Future
We have a proven track record in complex divorce cases,
backed by industry recognition
and client success stories.
“Great experience, lots of help and
always there when I had a question
or concern.”
“I highly recommend this firm! Adam Fogelman was the first person I spoke to and he was very honest, understanding and upfront about all fees and processes.”
“The knowledge and communication were great. I felt confident that everything was being handled expertly and professionally.”
“I hired Mr. Fogelman as my attorney with the divorce process that I was going through. He’s absolutely an excellent lawyer. I highly recommend him as a high-class professional who will protect your interests and work hard.”
