January 2026

When a co-parent refuses to return your child at the end of a weekend or unilaterally denies you scheduled parenting time, the immediate reaction is often a mix of intense fear and overwhelming anger. In these critical moments, it is essential to prioritize legal discipline over emotional reactions. Ohio courts consistently discourage parents from taking matters into their own hands. Every action you take following a breach of the parenting plan is a matter of public record that can either strengthen your position or lead to your own legal jeopardy. Retaliating by withholding child support or confronting the other parent unexpectedly is both strategically harmful and legally unjustifiable. Ohio law provides a rigorous framework for enforcement that you must follow to the letter. A custody order is a binding mandate […]

In the landscape of Ohio domestic relations, ambiguity is the primary driver of post-decree conflict. A robust Shared Parenting Plan in Ohio is not merely a calendar – it is a comprehensive legal instrument governing the health, education, and welfare of a child. Under ORC 3109.04, Ohio courts favor arrangements that facilitate frequent and continuing contact with both parents, provided it serves the child’s best interests. However, statutory preference does not guarantee a successful outcome. Success requires a meticulously drafted plan that anticipates future disputes and resolves them before they reach the courtroom. In this guide, we break down the legal structure in Ohio, explain how courts evaluate proposed plans under ORC 3109.04, and identify the provisions that most often prevent or provoke future litigation. Understanding how judges interpret plans

Legal custody orders in Ohio are typically designed to be permanent; however, family dynamics are rarely static. When significant shifts in employment, relocation, or child safety occur, the original court order may become unenforceable or pose a danger. However, Ohio courts do not grant modifications easily. The burden of proof lies entirely on the parent filing the motion. To succeed, you must navigate specific statutory requirements under ORC 3109.04 and provide admissible evidence that a change is necessary. In practice, this means the court will not revisit custody simply because an arrangement has become inconvenient or tense. Judges require clear, objective proof of a substantial change in circumstances and will closely examine whether the requested modification truly serves the child’s best interests, not the preferences of either parent. Without a

Deciding to move is a major life event. It often stems from a desire for a fresh start, a career advancement, or the need to be closer to family support. However, when you share children with an ex-partner, deciding to relocate can raise important legal questions. At The Meade Law Group, we provide guidance on Ohio custody law, parenting plans, and the Guardian ad Litem process to help parents understand their options during a move. Under Ohio law, a personal decision to move is treated as a potential modification of the child’s environment. Whether you are seeking to relocate or fighting to keep your child close, understanding the legal framework of ORC 3109.051 is essential to protecting your parental rights. Ohio Relocation Notice Requirements: How to Legally Move With Your

In moments of crisis, the safety of your child is the only priority. Ohio law provides rapid legal mechanisms to protect children from immediate harm. However, the legal bar for Emergency Custody is intentionally high, and a poorly prepared filing can do more harm than good. At The Meade Law Group, we focus on high-stakes child custody cases where immediate court action is required. Whether you need to secure an emergency order to protect your child from danger or you are defending against a false emergency filing, we provide decisive, evidence-driven representation designed for those situations. In this guide, we explain what Ohio courts consider a true custody emergency, what evidence is required to obtain or challenge an emergency order, how the Ex Parte process works, and what to expect

When a parent deliberately undermines a child’s relationship with the other parent, Ohio family courts treat the conduct as parental alienation. Although not a standalone criminal offense, it is a critical factor in Ohio child custody law and the allocation of parental rights. Allegations of alienation commonly arise in custody motions, Guardian ad Litem investigations, and forensic evaluations within the Ohio Domestic Relations Court. When proven, such conduct directly impacts the court’s best interests of the child analysis and the credibility of the alienating parent. Substantiated alienation may result in contempt sanctions, court-ordered intervention, or a permanent custody modification. Legal Definition of Parental Alienation in Ohio It is important to understand that “parental alienation” is not explicitly defined as a distinct crime under the Ohio Revised Code.  However, Ohio case