Cleveland Child Support Lawyer

Northeast Ohio Custody and Visitation Attorney

Calculating a parent's obligation under Ohio child support guidelines is generally a simple and straightforward process. Negotiating child custody and visitation, on the other hand, may be a difficult process, one that can easily deteriorate into a bitter battle. I have over 30 years of experience in family law. As your lawyer, I will provide the guidance and support you need to make the transition through divorce to a shared parenting relationship that is best for your child and protects your parental rights.

Child custody and visitation

When negotiating terms of your divorce, it is important to consider the financial impact of your final child custody and visitation agreement. The amount of scheduled parenting time with the noncustodial parent may affect the amount of child support paid to the parent with residential custody. I will help you determine how the final support and custody arrangement in light of the terms of your property division and alimony.

One parent might be concerned about losing contact with the child. The other might be concerned about loss of control over homework and bedtime routines. Depending on the circumstances, I may call in an independent psychological evaluator, a mediator or a counselor — professionals trained to help people solve problems — to help my client prepare for a custody hearing or negotiate an agreement on parenting time.

It is important to look at the big picture. The right child custody solution might be a shared parenting plan, or a plan where one parent has primary custody while the other has generous visitation rights. One couple might be able to maintain a high degree of flexibility and work around a basic schedule, while another can only function under very detailed and well-established guidelines.

I also represent clients in questions regarding grandparents' rights to visitation.

Modification of child custody and support decrees

If one party's circumstances change significantly — a child's development indicates a change in visitation arrangements, a parent wishes to relocate out of state, a parent's income changes — the court will consider a motion for modification of a child support, child custody or visitation agreement. As your attorney, I will explain what your position is and articulate your reasons for seeking the modification to the judge. I can also help you seek enforcement of a child support order if the payments are not being made in a timely manner.

Do you want to talk to a lawyer about child custody or support arrangements? Please call (216) 881-7939 or e-mail my firm to arrange a consultation. I represent clients in family courts in Cuyahoga County, Geauga County, Lake County, Lorain County, Summit County, Medina County and Portage County, Ohio. My office is conveniently located in the heart of Cleveland, in the historic Brownhoist Building on St. Clair Avenue.

Attorney Laurence A. Turbow