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What Does a 'Shared Parenting' Arrangement Look Like in Ohio?

For parents facing divorce, nothing causes more anxiety than the word "custody." It often brings to mind a painful vision of winners and losers. The good news is that Ohio law has moved toward a much more modern and child-focused approach called "Shared Parenting."

Unlike the older model of one parent having "sole custody" while the other is just a "visitor," Shared Parenting is a philosophy built on the belief that children benefit most from having two active and involved parents in their lives.

Under a Shared Parenting Plan, both parents are considered the "residential parent," and you share the rights and responsibilities of raising your children. This doesn't necessarily mean a perfect 50/50 split of time, but it does mean you will work together on the major decisions.

The heart of this arrangement is the Shared Parenting Plan, a detailed document you create that outlines how you will co-parent. The biggest component is the parenting schedule, which is completely customizable to your family's needs. Common schedules include:

  • The 2-2-5-5 Schedule: The children are with Parent A for 2 days, Parent B for 2 days, and then alternating weekends. This allows both parents to have a mix of weekday and weekend time.

  • The Every Other Weekend + 1 Day Schedule: The children spend one full weekend with Parent A, and the next full weekend with Parent B. Parent A might also receive every Wednesday evening, while Parent B might receive all other time.

The goal is to create a stable, predictable routine that works for your children and allows both of you to be the dedicated, loving parents you want to be.

To learn how to build a comprehensive plan that protects your children's future, download our free guide: Focused on Their Future: A Strategic Guide to Custody and Co-Parenting for Professionals.

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