THIRD-PARTY VISITATION
Advocating for Non-Parental Caregivers Seeking Visitation
In today’s diverse families, children are often cared for by people beyond their biological parents—step-parents, aunts and uncles, long-term guardians, and other caregivers. When contact with the child is cut off or threatened, Ohio law may provide legal avenues for third-party visitation. At Fogelman Law Firm, we help non-parental caregivers in Clermont, Hamilton, Butler, Warren, and Brown Counties protect meaningful relationships with the children they’ve helped raise.
Understanding Third-Party Visitation in Ohio
Ohio law allows non-parents to seek visitation in limited circumstances, especially when:
The third party has acted as a caregiver or parental figure
The child has developed a strong emotional bond with the third party
One or both biological parents are absent, deceased, or unfit
The biological parents are preventing access without just cause
Ultimately, the court will grant visitation only if it serves the best interests of the child.
Who May Seek Third-Party Visitation?
We represent a wide range of caregivers who may have standing to request visitation, including:
Step-parents
Grandparents
Former guardians
Aunts and uncles
Adult siblings
Long-term family friends
De facto caregivers who have lived with and supported the child
Each case is fact-specific and evaluated on the caregiver’s role in the child’s life and the child’s emotional needs.
Our Legal Process for
Third-Party Visitation
We take a respectful, child-centered approach to securing visitation rights:
Case Evaluation – We assess your legal standing and the strength of your relationship with the child
Filing the Petition – We prepare and file the legal documents necessary to request visitation
Negotiation & Mediation – We explore out-of-court resolutions to reduce emotional conflict
Court Representation – We present compelling evidence that continued contact is in the child’s best interest
Billing & Payment Structure
We offer hourly billing for third-party visitation cases, ensuring legal services that are tailored to your relationship with the child and the complexity of your case.
Common Concerns About Third-Party Visitation
“Can I get visitation if I’m not a biological relative?”
➡ Possibly. Courts focus on the depth of your relationship with the child and whether visitation benefits the child.
“What if the child’s parents won’t cooperate?”
➡ If denied access unfairly, you may petition the court. We can help assess if legal grounds exist.
“Do I need to have raised the child to qualify?”
➡ While long-term care strengthens your case, even consistent involvement can establish a basis for visitation.
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.”