Custody of Children of Unwed Parents

Under Ohio law, the legal custodian of children born out of wedlock is always the mother. Also under Ohio law, the father has no legal right to the child until he establishes parentage and further petitions the court for custody and/or visitation. Issues such as child support and shared parenting all fall under the court’s dominion and control. All orders relating to custody and support must be made by the juvenile court in the county in which the child resides. Agreements you make today about your child(ren) will undoubtedly affect you and your child for years to come.