Juvenile & Family Law Attorneys in Dayton

Protecting the Rights of Children in Montgomery County & Greene County

Juvenile law covers child delinquency issues; certain types of custody issues; and concerns of abuse, neglect, and dependency of a minor child. Juvenile courts also deal with certain child support cases, grandparent rights, and establishing paternity. Our office takes juvenile law cases in Montgomery, Greene, Clark, Miami, and Warren County.

Juvenile & Family Law Cases We Handle in Dayton, OH: 

Delinquency

Delinquency occurs when a minor child gets involved in a criminal issue. The delinquency process for children under the age of 18 is much different than the criminal process for adults. The main goal of delinquency courts is to rehabilitate the child and make sure they can get their future on track. There are several different programs, classes, etc. that are typically offered to youth who have gotten involved in the legal system. The process can, understandably, be frightening and confusing. Our office can help navigate the system and put your mind at ease.

Custody & Child Support

Custody issues arise when people have conflicting opinions on who a child should live with and who should have decision-making authority when it comes to the child. Child custody cases take place in the juvenile court when the parents of the child are not married or the custody issue includes an individual who is not a parent of the child (grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc.). Our office understands that our clients just want what is best for the child(ren). We know that your kids are of the highest priority and that the court does not always have all the information they need to make such an important decision.

Juvenile courts will also make determinations and changes in child support to cases in which the parents of the child or children in custody were never married. Child support is of the utmost importance, and making sure that a child is provided for, while also not taking advantage of the paying party, is a balance that can be difficult to obtain. The court system can be flawed and, though it tries, it does not always do what is in the best interest of the child — that’s where we come in! Our office will make sure that the court sees the entire picture and gets the information they need to do what is best for you and your family.

Grandparent Rights

In many states, if a child’s parents want to refuse to allow a grandparent to see their grandchild, the parents have the right to do so. However, in Ohio, the courts recognize grandparent rights. This means that if parents do not wish for a grandparent to see their grandchild, the grandparent can file for visitation with the court. These types of family dynamics can be messy and confusing to the court. Our job is to clear up that confusion and help the court see why our client’s interests are the child’s best interest.

Abuse, Neglect, & Dependency Cases

Abuse, neglect, and dependency cases arise when there is some concern for the child’s well-being in the home. When allegations arise concerning one of these three issues, the child is typically removed from the home temporarily. The court will often work toward reunification and work with the entire family, as well as anyone else who is frequently involved with the child, to make that happen.

An allegation of abuse means that there has been some type of non-accidental harm that has come to the child. An allegation of neglect means that the court has found one of the following:

• The child has been abandoned by their parent or guardian
• The child lacks adequate care due to the faults or habits of the child’s parent or guardian
• The parents or guardian of the child neglect or refuse to provide proper/necessary food, medical treatment, or other necessities for the child’s health, morals, or overall well-being
• The parents or guardian of the child refuse or neglect to provide special care that is necessary for the child’s mental condition
• The child suffers from some physical or mental injury that was caused by the omission of the parent or guardian
• The child is subjected to out-of-home childcare neglect

When allegations of neglect arise, they are typically focused on the wrong-doing of the parents or guardians — much like allegations of abuse. Dependency, on the other hand, focuses more on the condition of the child, rather than any type of fault by the parent or guardian. 

A child can be found to be “dependent” in any of the following circumstances:

• The child is homeless, destitute, or without adequate parental care (but through no fault of the child’s parent or guardian)
• The child lacks adequate parental care because of the parent or guardian’s mental or physical condition
• The child’s own condition or environment is such that it warrants the state to assume guardianship of the child.

In abuse, neglect, or dependency cases, it is typical for each party to receive separate counsel to represent their individual interest. This means that the child will have an attorney, and each parent or guardian will have their own representation. Regardless of who our client is, we will work our absolute hardest to make sure that the child and family are safe, healthy, and happy. Courts are often presented a very one-sided view of a very complex situation. Our office helps present the entire story to the court and get the safest and best outcome for you and your children.