A parent is always in pursuit of whatever it takes to protect their child. But when it’s the parent posing as an imminent threat to their child, you know things have gone for the worst.
When the animosity in a divorce is too palpable, domestic violence may come into the mix, influencing significant issues like that of child custody. Ohio laws take domestic violence seriously, which may even be punishable by fines, jail time and other restrictions, depending on the nature and extent of the abuse.
If you want to break free from the cycle of abuse and secure a safe future for you and your child, and away from your spouse’s abusive hands, Ohio laws always uphold your child’s best interests.
Your child’s safety at the forefront
Ohio courts always err on the child’s side. To make a well-informed decision, they weigh relevant factors – who is suffering from the abuse, how long it has been going on and how severe it is. Once there is sufficient evidence – protective orders, and medical and police reports – to support a domestic violence claim, either of the following can happen:
- A temporary supervised visitation: The abusive parent cannot visit their child without the presence of a third-party adult. The court may lift the required supervision if the abusive parent meets the court’s probationary requirement, which often comes in the form of counseling and other remedial courses.
- A termination of parental rights: In the worst cases, the abusive parent may permanently lose their parental rights if the assault is recurring and results in severe bodily harm.
Aside from possibly physical damages, courts also consider the psychological impact of domestic violence on the child. After all, it doesn’t make sense to place a child under the same roof as the person they feel legitimately unsafe around. Thus, the courts often launch an extensive investigation of all possible scenarios before making a critical decision.
Conquering profound pain
Domestic violence during divorce is a battle that can challenge even the most assertive individuals. But a parent’s fighting spirit is unlike any other. If domestic violence is already tearing your family apart, know that there are means and resources available to gain the necessary emotional support and legal guidance you desperately need right now.