Columbus Juvenile Court Attorneys

Effective Representation for Custody Disputes

Custody disputes may arise during the divorce process or between parents who were never married. During the divorce process, custody disputes are resolved in family court. When the parents were never married, juvenile court handles custody issues. The Columbus juvenile court lawyers at Law Offices of William L. Geary represent unmarried clients in custody disputes.

Call (614) 289-1227 to discuss your legal rights and options in a confidential consultation.

Child Custody Disputes in Juvenile Court

Juvenile court has jurisdiction to award custody in disputes between parents who are not married and were never married in the past. These child custody cases are very similar to a custody case involving parents who were married. If parents cannot come to an agreement regarding child custody, the court will make the decision based on the best interests of the child.

In determining the best interests of the child, the court may consider the:

• Age of the children
• Ability of each parent to provide for the child
• Physical and mental health of the parents
• Emotional bonds between the child and each parent
• The child’s own preferences

In addition to these factors, the court may seek input from outside sources. This may include appointing a social worker or psychologist to evaluate the parents and children and/or guardian ad litem to act in the best interests of the child. The court will take any reports and testimony from these professionals into consideration when determining the custody arrangement that is in the child’s best interests.

Mediation May Be Required

As in divorce cases and family court custody disputes, the juvenile court may require or encourage mediation in an attempt to help parents come to an agreement. If parents are unable to reach an agreement despite mediation, the court will make the final determination. Our juvenile court attorneys in Columbus can advise you and fight for the best interests of you and your children in court, if needed.

Please contact us at (614) 289-1227 to discuss your situation in a confidential consultation.