Child Custody and Visitation

Cleveland, Ohio, Child Custody and Visitation Lawyer

When dealing with child custody and visitation issues, you need an attorney who possesses unique experience, creativity, and sensitivity to the needs of all family members. I believe I fit each of these criteria and also recognize that each custody and visitation case is different, such that there is never a cookie-cutter approach to resolving the complicated issues involved. With that in mind, I employ creative means to finding resolutions.

Mediating and Litigating Child Custody Matters

I have mediated and litigated cases involving legal custody, joint legal custody/shared parenting, and physical custody. My preference is to utilize my experience and knowledge of collaborative law practices to identify and implement a mutually-agreeable child custody arrangement. While the parents may be involved in a dispute, the interests of their children should come first.

Child Custody Decisions

If need be, the courts will make the decision regarding custody. If the child is old enough to make good decisions, their choice of parent will be given some consideration by the court, but the ultimate custody determination depends upon an evaluation of other numerous factors in deciding the child's best interests. However, if a parent is struggling with a drug, alcohol, or pornography addiction, a psychological evaluation needs to be scheduled to ensure the children are in the best living situation. The courts will also look at other various factors, including:

• Emotional ties
• Patterns of abuse
• Criminal records
• Attitude and emotional stability
• Home environment
• Health and gender-related issues

Courts also look favorably on the parent who is willing to facilitate close relationships for their children and his or her former-spouse. This shows that the practice of collaboration and the hope for cooperation carries a great deal of weight for you.

Unique Experience with Visitation Issues

If there is no shared parenting or shared child custody following a divorce, a visitation schedule will be implemented based primarily on the best interests of the child. Additional criteria include:

• Relationship with the child
• Geographical location of each parent
• Health and safety of the child
• Mental and physical health of all parties
• Time spent with siblings
• Criminal record
• Patterns of abuse

In the area of visitation, I have a unique and extremely hands on background. In addition to my experience as a practicing attorney, I have twenty years experience as a guardian ad litem. Judges and other attorneys have appointed me to represent the best interests of minor children during divorce litigation.

Let me help you resolve your child custody and visitation issues in a cooperative setting. For more information or to schedule a free consultation in my downtown Cleveland office, please contact me.