Protecting Your Right to Meaningful Relationships with Your Children
The relationship between parent and child represents one of life’s most fundamental bonds. When separation or divorce threatens to disrupt this connection, Ohio law recognizes that children benefit from maintaining “frequent and continuing contact” with both parents. However, establishing appropriate child custody and parenting time arrangements requires careful navigation of legal standards, practical considerations, and often complex family dynamics.
At Nielsen Miller Law, Columbus child visitation rights attorneys Jennifer Nielsen and Tiffany Miller understand that parenting time disputes involve far more than legal technicalities—they concern your ability to remain an active, meaningful presence in your child’s life. Our firm provides compassionate yet aggressive advocacy to protect your parental rights while prioritizing your child’s best interests.
Understanding Ohio Parenting Time Law
Ohio Revised Code Section 3109.051 governs parenting time (the legal term for visitation rights), establishing that courts should grant reasonable parenting time unless it would not serve the child’s best interests. The law strongly favors maintaining relationships with both parents, recognizing the vital role each parent plays in a child’s healthy development.
Types of Ohio Parenting Time Arrangements
Standard Parenting Time
Ohio courts often implement standard schedules, including:
Alternating weekends (Friday evening through Sunday evening)
One weekday evening per week
Alternating holidays and special occasions
Extended summer vacation periods
Extended Parenting Time
When appropriate, courts may award more extensive schedules:
Additional weeknight visits
Extended weekend periods
Week-on/week-off alternating schedules
Flexible arrangements accommodating work schedules
Supervised Parenting Time
When safety concerns exist, courts may require supervision through professional services, trusted family members, or supervised visitation centers.
Factors Ohio Courts Consider in Parenting Time Decisions
Ohio courts evaluate numerous factors when determining appropriate parenting time arrangements:
Geographic Considerations
Distance between parents’ residences
Travel time and transportation logistics
Impact on the child’s school and activity schedule
Child-Specific Factors
The child’s age and developmental needs
Emotional and physical health considerations
Established routines and preferences
Sibling relationships and family dynamics
Parent-Specific Factors
Each parent’s physical and mental health
Willingness to facilitate the other parent’s relationship with the child
History of involvement in the child’s daily care
Ability to provide appropriate supervision and care
Enforcement of Ohio Parenting Time Orders
Common Violations
Denial of court-ordered parenting time
Consistent late arrivals or early departures
Interference with communication during parenting time
Failure to return children as scheduled
Legal Remedies for Violations
Contempt of court proceedings with monetary fines and sanctions
Make-up parenting time orders
Modification of existing arrangements
Potential incarceration for serious violations
Why Choose Nielsen Miller Law for Parenting Time Matters
Child-Focused Advocacy: Understanding that parenting time disputes fundamentally concern children’s well-being, we advocate for arrangements that truly serve their best interests while protecting your parental rights.
Creative Problem-Solving: We develop innovative solutions to parenting time challenges, working collaboratively when possible, while maintaining firm advocacy when necessary.
Local Court Experience: Extensive experience in Franklin County family courts provides valuable insight into the preferences of local judges and effective strategies for parenting time cases.
Comprehensive Family Law Services: We handle all related family law matters, ensuring parenting time arrangements coordinate effectively with custody, support, and other case elements.
Nielsen Miller Law offers comprehensive services for parenting time and visitation rights to families throughout Columbus, Upper Arlington, and Franklin County, Ohio. Our experienced team fights to protect your parental rights while prioritizing your child’s best interests.
Parenting Time Frequently Asked Questions — add these to an accordion
Can parenting time be denied if child support isn’t paid?
No. Ohio law treats parenting time and child support as separate issues. Financial obligations don’t affect parental rights to spend time with children.
What if my child doesn’t want to visit the other parent?
Courts distinguish between age-appropriate resistance and serious concerns. We help evaluate whether modifications or interventions are necessary.
How can I get more parenting time?
Increased parenting time requires demonstrating that additional time serves the child’s best interests and doesn’t interfere with their stability and routine.
What happens if the other parent consistently fails to comply with parenting time orders?
Violations can result in contempt proceedings, make-up time, modified arrangements, or other court-ordered remedies.
Can grandparents get court-ordered visitation?
Yes, when grandparents can prove substantial relationships with children and that visitation serves their best interests, despite parental objections.
How does relocation affect parenting time?
Moves significantly impacting the other parent’s ability to exercise parenting time require court approval and often result in modified arrangements.
Jennifer is excellent! She was always quick to respond to any questions. And when it was something she was unsure of she made sure to find the correct answer. She made the process so easy. I am so thankful to her for all of her hard work in helping me navigate through the divorce process.
When your home or work life have been threatened by legal matters, it is critical that you have someone on your side who is devoted to advocating for your rights and best interests. Contact Nielsen Miller Law now for an appointment to discuss the details of your case and to plan your next step.
