Legal Issues Relating to Child Custody & Visitation
Child custody and visitation decisions are sometimes the most straightforward part of the divorce process. However, when parents have conflicting ideas about what type of custody and visitation arrangements are in the best interests of the children, the divorce process can quickly become a no-holds-barred fight.
If you anticipate a battle over child custody or visitation arrangements, seek experienced legal counsel as early as possible. Family law disputes — especially those involving children — benefit greatly from early legal advice.
Fox & Scott, PLLC is a family law firm with offices in Covington, Kentucky. We represent both mothers and fathers in child custody battles and other family law conflicts, and we handle cases on both sides of the river — in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.
Realistic Solutions and a Thorough Plan of Action
The attorneys of Fox & Scott, PLLC take a direct, active role in guiding clients through the legal process. Our job requires us to do much more for our clients than just explain the process and prepare our clients for an inevitable result.
Instead, our lawyers use in-depth knowledge of family law and court procedures to give our clients an honest assessment of various options. We explain why certain goals are — or are not — achievable. We help our clients select from among realistic options. Once our clients' goals are clarified, we put up a tough fight on their behalf — using all available tools, up to and including a hard-fought civil lawsuit.
Child Custody Basics in OhioOhio law tends to favor joint custody arrangements, usually called "shared parenting plans," when the parents live near each other, and shared parenting would be in the best interests of the child. If the parents cannot agree on custody arrangements, then the court requires them to attend mediation before they can ask a judge to decide the dispute. If the mediation is unsuccessful, then social workers will conduct a parenting investigation to help the family court judge make the final custody decision. In some cases, the investigation can take up to six months. |
Child Custody Basics in KentuckyUnder Kentucky law, different child custody arrangements are possible. One parent may have sole custody, with the other parent receiving visitation rights. Or, parents may share custody of the child under a joint custody arrangement. If the parents cannot agree on custody, then they may be required to attend mediation depending on the particular family court judge assigned to the case. If mediation is unsuccessful, then a custody trial will take place and the court will make a custody ruling based on the best interests of the child. |
Contact Fox & Scott, PLLC ∙ Complimentary Initial Consultation
We are available 24 hours daily for urgent legal questions. We also offer a free and completely confidential initial consultation. In Cincinnati, call 513-591-2000; in Kentucky, call 859-291-1000. Or, send us an e-mail to request an appointment.
