Shared Parenting And Child Custody For School Purposes Only

Ohio follows two concepts in determining child custody that are sometimes misunderstood. The first is allocating parental rights and responsibilities (which we call custody), and the second is shared parenting. The original concept of custody says that one parent is the residential parent and legal custodian. This parent has primary responsibility for the child, making all the important decisions about health, education, etc.

Shared parenting is different. Both parents are considered residential parents and legal custodians, although it is necessary that one parent be named the residential parent for school purposes only. The reason for this is to determine in which school district the child can be enrolled. The designation of “residential parent for school placement purposes only” does not give that parent any greater authority or lessen the authority of the other.

The lawyers at Sowald Sowald Anderson Hawley & Johnson work with their clients to fashion parenting time schedules that set forth regular parenting time and the sharing of holidays and school breaks. Our goal is always to create a schedule that works for both sides and that is in the child’s best interests.

To discuss custody and shared parenting issues involving your child’s school district placement, call the lawyers at Sowald Sowald Anderson Hawley & Johnson in Columbus. Call 614-556-4231 or email our attorneys using this online form.