Ohio courts are obligated by law to consider multiple factors in determining the outcome of a child custody case, with the overriding consideration to be a determination of what is in the “best interest” of the child.
Some of the factors that an Ohio court must consider are outlined as follows:
1. The parents’ wishes.
2. The child’s wishes.
3. The child’s relationships with his or her parents, siblings, and other persons that would be affected by a proposed custody order.
4. The child’s performance at school and adjustment to the community.
5. Physical and mental health of everyone close to the child.
6. Which parent will be more likely to foster a relationship with the other parent.
7. Whether the parent is current on child support obligations.
8. The parents’ criminal records.
9. Whether one parent has denied another parent the right to see the child.
10. Whether a parent is planning to move out of the state.
Additional factors are considered when determining whether or not shared parenting is in the child’s best interest including:
11. What the ability is of the parents to make joint decisions.
12. Whether each parent encourages a relationship between the child and the other parent.
13. Whether either party has been physically or mentally abusive toward a family member.
14. The geographic distance between the parents’ homes.
15. The recommendations by the child care professionals involved.
The attorneys at Bailey & Gunderson Co., L.P.A., with offices in Norwood and Western Hills at 513-631-0022, can answer your questions about child custody cases, and these factors that Ohio courts must consider in determining the outcome of those cases.
