Child Custody, Visitation & Support

Custody & Visitation

Child custody and visitation issues are the most difficult to negotiate in any divorce because children are involved. The family is going through a significant upheaval in their lives, and they are probably confused, uncertain, and frightened. As parents, we always want to protect our children and their well-being. McCarty & Heffernan's child custody and visitation experts will work with you and your children to determine what is best for them and who is best suited to have custody of your children. 

Parents who can agree on who gets physical custody of their children may be able to draft a workable child custody agreement. If custody is disputed between parents, the courts will decide the guardianship of the children. Custody generally covers both physical and legal custody and may be split between parents or awarded to one parent. Visitation determines how often and when a non-custodial parent can have or visit their children. The Ohio court can arrange specific visitation schedules that take into account the parents’ and children’s commitments and social activities as well as other factors.

At McCarty and Heffernan, we focus on the child's best interests and strive at every turn to determine how to make child custody and visitation work for you and your children. Our goal is to help you arrange for an agreement that provides your children with a stable and loving family life despite your divorce. This requires research, compassion, and an understanding of the applicable laws regarding the safety and well-being of minors. 

Child Support

It is critical to understand that child support and visitation or custody are separate legal issues in Ohio. Child support has to do with monetary support for the needs of the child. It can get extremely complicated. Although the court uses formulas to determine a range for child support, many other issues are taken into account, including income levels, the standard of living, school costs, transportation, healthcare, and childcare costs. Having an attorney on your side is essential to make sure the court doesn't overlook any of your children's needs or any extenuating circumstances that could impact how much child support your family needs or how much you can pay.

The team at McCarty & Heffernan can meet with you to discuss aspects of your case for custody, visitation, or child support to determine the best way to move forward to protect your family and provide an appropriate homelife and lifestyle.