Child Custody In Ohio

Summary

Jason, a resident of Ohio, is seeking custody or visitation rights for his three children. He has established paternity for his two oldest children and is in the process of doing so for his youngest. He claims the childrens mother is uncooperative and possibly abusive. He has reported the alleged abuse to Child Protective Services, but feels his claims are not being taken seriously. He is considering seeking legal representation to establish a formal custody agreement. He is willing to accept joint custody if the mother is reasonable, but would prefer sole custody. He is currently living with his girlfriend and has a stable job as a journeyman painter.

Full Conversation

Im trying to get custody or visitation with my kids
What state are you currently residing in, ****? This will help me provide you with the most accurate information regarding child custody laws in your area.
Ohio
What is the current custody arrangement and why are you seeking a change?

In Ohio, courts generally favor shared parenting but individual circumstances can affect this.
Their is no custody arrangement.
What is the reason there is no current custody arrangement? In Ohio, both parents have equal rights to the child unless a court order states otherwise.
Havent had one yet . She just wont let me see them when ever she feels the need
Have you tried to establish a formal custody agreement through the court? In Ohio, without a court order, both parents have equal rights to the child.
No
What is the age of your children? In Ohio, the court considers the child's wishes if they are of sufficient age and maturity.
* * *
In Ohio, children's preferences may be considered in custody cases, but they must be of sufficient age and maturity. Have you discussed this situation with your children?
Yes some what
What was your children's response when you discussed the situation with them?
They want to live with me
What steps have you taken so far to establish a formal custody agreement?
None this is the start of it
What is your plan moving forward to establish a formal custody agreement?
I have established maturity on the oldest two. They said they would send me papers or whatnot to establish maturity on the 3rd my youngest
What do you mean by "establishing maturity"? Are you referring to a legal process or a personal assessment?
I had to take a paternity i mean
Did you receive the results of the paternity test? In Ohio, establishing paternity is crucial for custody and visitation rights.
Yes
What were the results of the paternity test?
I am the father of my two oldest
What is the current relationship status with the mother of your children?
She is untalkable .
What steps have you taken to communicate with the mother about your desire for custody or visitation rights?
I have mesaaged her over facebook that i really want to see my children and i either get no response or some bs back.
Have you considered seeking legal representation to help you establish a formal custody agreement?
Yes i thought that this is what i was doing
What is the name of the mother of your children? This information can be useful if you decide to seek legal representation or file a custody petition.
Alisa Payne
What is the current living situation of your children with their mother, Alisa Payne?
They live in a two bedroom apartment in trenton ohio
What is your relationship with your children like and how often do you currently see them?
I havent seen them in months
What steps have you taken to legally establish paternity for your youngest child?
When i talked to childs support last week they said they would send me what i needed to establish paternity for the youngest
Have you received the documents to establish paternity for your youngest child? In Ohio, establishing paternity is crucial for custody and visitation rights.
No
What is your plan if the paternity test for your youngest child comes back positive?
Well she would be like the other two . I want to see or have my kids
What steps are you planning to take to establish a formal custody agreement for your children?
Seeking legal help
What is your current living situation and do you have a suitable environment for your children?
Im living with a girlfriend at moment. I just started new job . And we as a couple have a suitable environment for children
What is your plan to provide for your children's needs, including their education, health, and general welfare?
Well work i guess
What type of work do you do, and does it provide a stable income to support your children's needs?
I am a journeyman painter . But have took a job with girlfriend just to get enough for a car, so i can go back to my regular job. I am a journeyman painter and make *.* hr.
Yes
What is your plan for ensuring your children's emotional well-being during this transition?
To let them know it isnt anything they did and that i love them and am looking out for their best interest and i love them
What steps have you taken to ensure your children's emotional well-being during this transition?

In Ohio, the court considers the child's emotional well-being when determining custody.
I havent been able to she will not let me talk to or be around my children at all
Have you considered filing a petition for custody in the Ohio courts? This could help establish a formal custody agreement.
That is what im doing i thought
What is the name of the county in Ohio where you and your children currently reside? This will help in providing you with the contact details of the nearest court.
Butler
Butler county ohio
What is your current visitation arrangement with your children?

In Ohio, if there's no court order, both parents have equal rights to the child. You can file a petition for custody at Butler County Court of Domestic Relations. Contact: (*) *-*.
Their is non
What steps have you taken to establish a formal visitation schedule with your children?
Ive just ask her i havent done anything else
What is your plan moving forward to establish a formal visitation schedule?
Im trying to figure it out
What is your plan for ensuring your children's emotional well-being during this transition?
Trying to get a lawyer
What type of custody are you seeking - sole or joint custody? In Ohio, courts generally favor shared parenting but individual circumstances can affect this.
Id like sole custody but am willing to have joint but she has to be reasonable not just totally one sided and non flexible
What steps have you taken to communicate your willingness for joint custody to the mother of your children?

In Ohio, courts generally favor shared parenting but individual circumstances can affect this.
Ive tried and she just is non responsive or just says some stupid things that really don't make sense
What evidence do you have to support your claim for custody? In Ohio, courts consider the best interests of the child, including the ability of each parent to provide a stable environment.
She is mentally unstable. The kids say they are scared of her and that she , in their words , will go crazy and hit them.
Have you reported these incidents to any authorities or child protective services? In Ohio, child abuse allegations can significantly impact custody decisions.
I have . I had a fire and my house had burnt down im trying to get back and established so i can have get kids
What actions have Child Protective Services taken after your report? In Ohio, allegations of child abuse can significantly impact custody decisions.
Not much
What was the response from Child Protective Services when you reported the incidents?
They almost sound like im making it up
What evidence do you have to support your claims to Child Protective Services?