Protect Your Parent-Child Bond
During child custody disputes, parents are often blinded by tension, anxiety, hostility and raw emotion. It can be difficult for parents to set aside their personal differences and consistently put their children’s interests first. At The Law Offices of Shelly L. Kennedy, Ltd., we help our clients remove the blinders, see the big picture and make decisions that are best for themselves and their children in the long run.
From our office in Sandusky, we help clients throughout north central Ohio protect their parental rights and the interests of their children during child custody disputes.
Determining Parenting Time
When a marriage or romantic relationship ends and parents form two households, it is up to Ohio courts to determine where children will live and who will make decisions for them. Often called “custody” and “visitation,” these terms refer to how much time children spend with each parent after a divorce or separation.
Parenting arrangements can take several forms. One parent may be deemed the “residential and legal custodian” while the other has visitation rights, or parents may have joint custody or “shared parenting” time.
Custody determinations have lasting impacts on parent-child relationships. Don’t lose out on important time with your child. At The Law Offices of Shelly L. Kennedy, Ltd., we will help you get the time you want and need to maintain strong bonds with your children.
Child custody involves more than deciding where a child will live. In addition to living arrangements and parenting time, other factors to consider include:
- School placement – Determining which parent’s address will be used for school district enrollment
- Income tax exemptions – Deciding which parent takes the child dependency exemption
- Medical insurance – Deciding which parent will provide health insurance for the child
- Child support – Understanding how custody impacts support obligations
Individual and family situations naturally change over time. One or both parents may have a change in income. Either may need to move for work or family reasons. A child may develop special needs or become involved in location-specific extracurricular activities. Our firm also helps clients modify their parenting plans and custody orders to reflect today’s life.
Safeguarding Your Rights During A Custody Battle
It doesn’t take much for a child custody or visitation dispute to erupt into a highly contentious legal battle. When your relationship with your child is on the line, you need someone who will fight for you.
Shelly Kennedy is that person. She has more than 25 years of experience as a trial lawyer. She will go to bat for you and fight to protect your parental rights.
Custody Is For Dads, Too
All too often, dads are overlooked and undervalued. You play an important role in your child’s life. You deserve parenting time. Attorney Kennedy fights to level the playing field and protect her clients’ paternal rights. Both fathers’ rights and mothers’ rights receive full consideration at this firm. If attorney Shelly L. Kennedy represents you, she will champion your rights for your children’s sake. She can help with paternity actions as needed.
Resolve Your Child Custody Matter For The Children’s Sake
Perhaps you are a grandparent providing a home base for a grandchild. Is legal custody an option for you? Explore possibilities in a discussion about grandparents’ rights.
Whatever your concern is related to the custody and support of a child or children, contact us today by email or at 419-719-5245.