Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed May 11, 2018
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In Ohio, the legal relationship between a parent and child extends equally to all parents and all children, regardless of the parents' marital status. An unmarried mother may establish her parent-child relationship by proving that she gave birth. An unmarried father may establish his parent-child relationship through an acknowledgement of paternity. An unmarried woman who gives birth to a child is automatically the sole "residential parent and legal custodian" of the child, unless and until a court orders otherwise. It's important to note that when parents are unmarried, a father doesn't have child custody rights until a court order establishes his rights.
When you're conducting legal research to find answers to your law-related questions, it's important that you find and read the actual statute. However, it's also incredibly beneficial to read a summary of relevant laws in plain English because it can help you get a better understanding of the statutes. The chart below provides you with a summary of Ohio custody laws for unmarried parent, as well as links to relevant statutes.
| Statute(s) | Ohio Revised Code Title XXXI Section 3111.01, et seq. (Parentage) |
| Presumption of Paternity | There's a presumption that a man is the father of a child in any of the following circumstances:
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| Evidence of Paternity | In order to establish paternity, and thereby his rights as a parent, a man can present any of the flowing evidence:
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Related Statute(s) |
Ohio Revised Code Title XXXI
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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.
For more information and resources related to this topic, please visit the links below:
If you're an unmarried father who wants to establish your custody rights or you're an unmarried mother who wants to establish a visitation schedule for the child's father, it's best to consult with a local child custody lawyer who will be experienced in both the laws and procedures related to Ohio custody laws for unmarried parents.
Meeting with a lawyer can help you understand your options and how to best protect your rights. Visit our attorney directory to find a lawyer near you who can help.
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