Making decisions related to child custody can be one of the most difficult aspects of a divorce. Sometimes parents are able to come up with a custody arrangement on their own. More often than not, however, the court needs to intervene. Each state has its own laws to govern child custody decisions, but generally it all boils down to what's in the best interests of the child.

In Ohio, the law distinguishes visitation rights for parents versus visitation rights for non-parents by calling visitation "parenting time" when it refers to parents' visitation rights, and "companionship or visitation rights" when it refers to a non-parent's visitation rights. The court grants parenting time to the parent who isn't the "residential parent" - the parent with primary physical custody. The court generally issues orders or decrees that allow the opportunity for both parents to have frequent and continuing contact with the child, unless such contact by either parent wouldn't be in the child's best interest.

Ohio Child Visitation Laws at a Glance

While it's important to read the literal language of a statute, it can be helpful to read a summary of the statute in plain English as well. In the following chart you can find a summary of Ohio child visitation laws, and links to relevant statutes.

Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.

Ohio Child Visitation Laws: Related Resources

If you'd like more information related to this topic, you can visit the links below:

• Ohio Child Custody Laws
• Ohio Child Custody Forms and Process
• Ohio Family Laws
• Parental Visitation Rights FAQ

Get Legal Help to Better Understand Child Visitation Laws in Ohio

Even though a divorce ends the relationship between a couple, it's important for a child to maintain their parental relationships. If you have questions about Ohio child visitation laws, or you'd like help with enforcing your child visitation rights, it's a good idea to reach out to an experienced child custody lawyer near you today.