Family-Focused Representation

Family Law Services

Expert legal guidance for families navigating child custody arrangements and child support issues with a focus on protecting children's best interests.

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Comprehensive Family Law Services

At Pirnia Law Office, Mr. Pirnia understands that family law matters touch the most personal aspects of your life. He provides compassionate, skilled legal representation for all aspects of family law, with a focus on achieving the best possible outcomes for you and your children.

Protecting Your Family's Future

Mr. Pirnia provides experienced legal representation to help families navigate the complexities of child custody and child support matters.

Understanding Child Custody in Ohio

Child custody arrangements determine who will have legal responsibility for a child and where the child will live. At Pirnia Law Office, Mr. Pirnia helps parents navigate these complex and emotionally challenging matters.

In Ohio, the courts make custody decisions based on what they believe to be in the "best interests of the child." This standard guides all custody determinations and ensures that the child's wellbeing remains the primary focus throughout the legal process.

Types of Custody Arrangements

In Ohio, there are several different types of custody arrangements:

  • Sole Custody: One parent is given primary physical and legal custody of the child.
  • Shared Parenting (Joint Custody): Both parents share legal custody and decision-making authority.
  • Split Custody: Each parent has custody of one or more of their children.
  • Legal Custody: The right to make major decisions about the child's upbringing, education, healthcare, and religious training.
  • Physical Custody: Refers to where the child will live on a day-to-day basis.

Factors Considered in Custody Decisions

Ohio courts consider several factors when determining custody arrangements, including:

  • The wishes of the child's parents
  • The wishes of the child (if they are of suitable age and maturity)
  • The child's relationship with parents, siblings, and other significant people
  • The child's adjustment to their home, school, and community
  • The mental and physical health of all parties involved
  • Each parent's willingness to facilitate a relationship between the child and the other parent
  • Whether either parent has failed to make child support payments
  • Whether either parent has been convicted of certain criminal offenses
  • Any history of domestic violence or child abuse

Parenting Time (Visitation)

Parenting time, often referred to as visitation, is the schedule that determines when the child will spend time with each parent. Most counties in Ohio have a standard parenting time schedule, but parents can create a customized plan that better suits their family's needs.

Mr. Pirnia can help you develop a comprehensive parenting plan that addresses:

  • Regular weekday and weekend schedules
  • Holiday and vacation arrangements
  • Transportation between homes
  • Communication between parents and children when apart
  • Decision-making processes for important child-related matters

Modification of Custody Orders

Custody orders can be modified if there is a change in circumstances that affects the child's best interests. Common reasons for custody modifications include:

  • Relocation of one parent
  • Changes in a parent's work schedule or living situation
  • A parent's inability to care for the child due to health issues or substance abuse
  • Evidence of abuse or neglect
  • The child's changing needs as they grow older

Mr. Pirnia can help you petition for a custody modification or defend against an unwanted modification, ensuring that your child's best interests remain the primary focus.

Understanding Child Support in Ohio

Child support is the financial contribution one parent makes to another for the support of their children. In Ohio, all parents have a legal obligation to support their children financially regardless of their marital status or living arrangements.

How Ohio Calculates Child Support

Child support is calculated according to a formula written into Ohio state law. This formula combines several factors:

  • • The father's and mother's gross income are combined
  • • Each parent is allowed certain gross income "adjustments," which reduce that figure
  • • Adjustments include deducting local income tax actually paid
  • • Child or spousal support orders paid or received
  • • The cost of the child's portion of health insurance
  • • Any work-related child care expenses

Although there are exceptions, in general, the "non-residential" parent pays child support to the parent with whom the child lives. In shared parenting plans, the amount of support may be reduced according to the amount of time the child spends in each parent's home, or if the parties share the expenses of the child.

Duration of Child Support

Child support is payable until the child reaches the age of 18, or until he or she graduates from high school, whichever is later. If a child is over 18 years of age and still attends high school, support will continue until the child has completed high school, up to age 19, unless otherwise ordered or agreed.

How Child Support is Calculated

Ohio uses a specific formula to calculate child support payments, which takes into account several factors:

  • Both parents' gross income
  • The number of children who need support
  • Child care costs
  • Health insurance expenses
  • Other children either parent may be supporting
  • Local cost of living adjustments
  • Parenting time arrangements

The court uses these factors to determine the appropriate amount of support using the Ohio Child Support Guidelines. These guidelines create a presumption of the appropriate amount of support, but the court can deviate from the guidelines in certain circumstances.

Modifications to Child Support Orders

Child support may be modified if circumstances change. The court will review the situation to determine if a modification is warranted.

  • Involuntary loss of employment
  • Significant increase or decrease in either parent's income
  • The birth of a new child
  • Changes in the child's needs (medical issues, educational expenses)
  • Changes in health insurance coverage or costs
  • Changes in parenting time arrangements
  • Every 36 months for standard review by Child Support Enforcement Agency

Mr. Pirnia can help you petition for a modification when your circumstances change, ensuring that support amounts remain appropriate and fair. It's important to file for modification promptly when circumstances change, as courts cannot retroactively modify support that has already accrued.

Enforcement of Child Support Orders

When child support payments are not made as ordered, there are several enforcement mechanisms available:

  • Income withholding (directly from paychecks)
  • Interception of tax refunds
  • Suspension of driver's license and other professional licenses
  • Placement of liens on property
  • Reporting to credit bureaus
  • Contempt of court proceedings, which can result in fines or jail time

Mr. Pirnia can help you navigate the enforcement process if you're not receiving ordered support, or defend against enforcement actions if you're facing legitimate difficulties in making payments.

Common Child Support Questions

Child support is payable until the child reaches the age of 18, or until he or she graduates from high school, whichever is later. If a child is over 18 years of age and still attends high school, support will continue until the child has completed high school, up to age 19, unless otherwise ordered or agreed.

No. Child support is the right of the child, not the parents. While parents can agree to deviate from the guidelines, the court must approve any deviation, and a complete waiver is rarely approved.

If a parent loses their job or experiences a significant income reduction, they should petition for a modification immediately. Support obligations continue to accrue at the current rate until a modification is granted, and courts cannot retroactively modify arrears.

Yes, in some cases. While equal parenting time doesn't automatically eliminate child support, it can be a factor the court considers when deciding whether to deviate from the standard formula, particularly if both parents have similar incomes.

How Mr. Pirnia Can Help with Your Family Law Case

Family law matters require the guidance of an experienced attorney who understands both the legal aspects and the emotional challenges involved. Mr. Pirnia provides:

  • Strategic legal guidance tailored to your specific situation
  • Compassionate representation that prioritizes your child's well-being
  • Skilled negotiation to help reach amicable agreements when possible
  • Strong courtroom advocacy when litigation becomes necessary
  • Assistance with creating comprehensive parenting plans that address all aspects of your child's care
  • Representation in custody and support modification proceedings as your circumstances change

Mr. Pirnia understands that family law matters affect the most important aspects of your life. He works diligently to achieve outcomes that are fair and in your children's best interests while supporting you through what can be a challenging process.

Every family law situation is unique. Contact Mr. Pirnia today to discuss your specific circumstances and develop a strategy that protects your child's best interests.

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