Grandparents and Others Seeking Child Custody
When a child's welfare is at stake, family members or other persons can petition the court to take custody away from the natural parent who is absent or unfit. These can be bitter fights, and the Ohio courts set a high standard for granting custody or visitation to non-parents.
The Craig P. Treneff Law Office provides strong and knowledgeable legal advocacy for third party contested custody. Our lawyers practice in the Columbus area and surrounding jurisdictions of central Ohio. Arrange a consultation today.
Third Party Contested Custody
We have represented grandparents, aunts and uncles, adult siblings and other relatives who are stepping up to protect the best interests of a baby, child or teenager. A family friend, care provider or other advocate who is not related to the child can also sue for custody to protect the child's rights. These petitions are heard in juvenile court.
Same sex parents: Ohio law does not recognize the parental rights of a lesbian partner (or gay partner) who is not the biological parent. The "other mom" or "other dad" must likewise petition in juvenile court for co-custody or companionship time. For more information, see our page on Same Sex Custody Issues.
Craig P. Treneff Law Office has handled non-parent petitions for co-custody or companionship. The court requires proof that the biological parent is unsuitable (unfit) on the basis of abandonment, neglect, child abuse, substance abuse, mental illness, domestic violence, or other dangers to the child's well-being.
One common scenario is contested child custody after a parent dies. We have asserted grandparent rights to custody if the surviving biological parent is unfit to provide for the child. We have also represented biological parents in fending off third party custody petitions.
Attorney Craig Treneff has 25 years of experience in Ohio family law, including contested custody litigation. Call him at 866-829-0717 or contact us online.
