Divorce is hard enough, but it becomes even more challenging when children are involved. It is crucial for parents to put aside their differences and consider what is best for their child or children. Having a good Cleveland Child Custody Attorney in Ohio by your side can help ease the process and provide a clear picture of how Ohio courts determine custody. They can also offer guidance on issues that may impact the outcome of a case such as paternity, substance abuse and physical or emotional limitations.

There are three different types of custody in Ohio: legal, physical and joint. Legal custody determines which parent or caretaker will make significant decisions for the child, such as education, health and financial issues. Physical custody identifies where the child will live on a day-to-day basis. A judge will decide these issues based on several factors, including the child’s needs and the parents’ abilities to care for him or her. A good Cleveland family law lawyer can make a strong case for a custody arrangement that meets your child’s needs.

In some cases, a judge may appoint a guardian ad litem to investigate the matter and ensure the child’s best interests are represented. A guardian ad litem is typically a psychologist, a social worker or another professional. A guardian ad

litem can be appointed by the court or at the request of either parent. The guardian ad litem will meet with both parties and provide an evaluation to the judge, which will be used as evidence in the case.

A good Cleveland custody lawyer can also assist with matters involving child support. This issue is often contentious and can have a profound effect on a divorced spouse’s income. A knowledgeable Cleveland family law attorney can prepare a detailed child support agreement that accounts for multiple factors, such as both parents’ income, the number of children and time spent with each parent.

If the established custody arrangement is no longer appropriate or in the best interests of your child, you can file a petition to modify the order. A good Cleveland Child Custody Attorney can present a strong argument for why the child should remain with you and/or why the other party should be required to pay child support.

Mishak Law Attorneys and Counselors at Law provides clients with a broad range of family law services. The firm’s attorneys represent clients in matters such as civil protection orders, child custody and parenting plans, divorce and grandparents’ rights. Matthew Mishak has over a decade of experience as an attorney and has handled thousands of cases.

Zukerman & Associates is a multi-practice law firm in Cleveland that handles family law and criminal defense matters. Founding partner Larry Zukerman has extensive experience handling complex legal problems that affect families and has a reputation for being effective and aggressive in court. He is also a certified mediator and has extensive training in domestic violence law. He is committed to ensuring that each client understands the legal process behind their case.