Family Law / Child Custody and Visitation / Unwed Parents
Ohio Revised Code states if the parties were not married and paternity has not been established through the Court, the Mother is the legal custodian of the minor child. Once paternity is established through the Court, the Court will make a determination as to custody and other child related matters for both parents. Litigation between unmarried parents is heard in juvenile court rather than domestic relations court. Whether you are the father establishing paternity and your rights or the mother of the child, Roberta Roberts is experienced in aggressively pursing her client’s best interest, and those of the child.
3109.042 Custody rights of unmarried mother.
An unmarried female who gives birth to a child is the sole residential parent and legal custodian of the child until a court of competent jurisdiction issues an order designating another person as the residential parent and legal custodian. A court designating the residential parent and legal custodian of a child described in this section shall treat the mother and father as standing upon an equality when making the designation.