Child Custody Attorney in Toledo, Ohio
Child custody matters are among the most emotionally challenging and legally complex issues that parents can face. Whether you are separating, divorcing, or establishing custody as unmarried parents, the decisions made during this process will significantly affect your child’s life and your own. At the Law Office of Attorney David Shook, we are committed to guiding families through these difficult transitions with clarity, experience, and steady legal support.
With more than 34 years of practice, Attorney David Shook provides knowledgeable and results-oriented representation to parents throughout Toledo and the surrounding Northwest Ohio communities. Our approach reflects decades of courtroom experience combined with practical problem-solving and a strong focus on the best interests of the child. Whether your custody issue can be resolved through negotiation or requires litigation in Lucas County Domestic Relations Court, our firm is prepared to protect your parental rights and work toward a parenting arrangement that supports your child’s well-being and stability.
The Law Office of Attorney David Shook has long served as a trusted legal resource for individuals and families. After temporarily practicing with another firm from 2022 to early 2025, Attorney Shook reopened his independent practice with a renewed dedication to personalized service. Today, our firm focuses on helping clients navigate the most important aspects of family and protective law, including divorce, custody, shared parenting, child support, protection orders, spousal support, OVI defense, and contempt actions.
Attorney Shook is licensed to practice in Ohio and Michigan, as well as the Northern District of Ohio and Eastern District of Michigan. He is a member of the Ohio State Bar Association, the Toledo Bar Association, and the State Bar of Michigan. His regional experience and strong understanding of local courts allow us to provide representation tailored to the unique expectations of Northwest Ohio judges, magistrates, and evaluators.
Understanding Child Custody in Ohio
Ohio divides custody into two primary areas: legal custody and physical custody. Understanding these terms is essential for parents entering negotiations or preparing for a court decision.
Legal Custody
Legal custody refers to a parent’s authority to make important decisions regarding a child’s upbringing. This includes choices related to education, medical care, counseling, religious involvement, extracurricular activities, and long-term welfare. Legal custody may be awarded solely to one parent or shared between both parents. Attorney Shook helps parents understand their options and pursue arrangements that reflect their involvement and goals for their child.
Physical Custody (Parenting Time)
Physical custody, often called parenting time, concerns where the child resides and how time is divided between parents. Schedules can be equal or primarily with one parent, depending on the family’s circumstances. Plans may follow standard court schedules or be customized around work hours, school needs, transportation issues, medical concerns, or age-specific routines.
Parents often have questions about shared parenting. In Ohio, shared parenting does not necessarily mean equal time. It means both parents participate in raising the child and making major decisions. For some families, shared parenting provides the most stability. For others, sole custody may be more appropriate due to safety concerns, communication challenges, or parental involvement levels.
Attorney Shook helps parents evaluate which option supports their child’s health, stability, and overall development.
The Best Interests of the Child Standard
Ohio courts base custody decisions on the best interests of the child. This standard requires a careful evaluation of the child’s needs and each parent’s ability to meet them. The court may consider:
• The child’s relationship with each parent
• The child’s adjustment to home, school, and community
• The physical and mental health of the parents and the child
• Each parent’s ability to provide a stable environment
• Each parent’s willingness to foster a positive relationship between the child and the other parent
• Parental communication and cooperation
• Any history of substance abuse, domestic violence, or safety concerns
• The child’s wishes, if age appropriate and approved by the court
Our firm helps parents understand these factors and present their strengths in a clear, organized, and meaningful way. When needed, we work with counselors, guardians ad litem, psychologists, or other professionals to help document the child’s needs and the family’s dynamics.
Building a Strong Custody Case
Custody cases often require evidence and careful preparation. We assist parents with:
• Gathering school, medical, or counseling records
• Preparing testimony and documentation
• Addressing allegations and responding to concerns raised by the other parent
• Preparing for guardian ad litem interviews and home visits
• Presenting evidence related to involvement in the child’s education, activities, or medical needs
• Developing structured and practical parenting plans
Attorney Shook’s decades of experience allow him to anticipate what courts and evaluators will focus on, helping clients feel prepared for every step of the process.
Modifying Custody Orders in Toledo, Ohio
Custody orders may need to change over time. Ohio allows modifications when there has been a change in circumstances that affects the child’s welfare. Examples include:
• Relocation or long-distance moves
• Job changes or shift work that affects parenting time
• Significant changes in the child’s school or medical needs
• Safety concerns or instability in a parent’s home
• A parent’s improved ability to care for the child
• New involvement or lack of involvement from either parent
Attorney Shook assists parents seeking or contesting modifications by evaluating whether the legal standard is met and presenting a clear, well-supported case to the court.
Enforcing Custody Orders
When a parent does not follow a court-ordered parenting plan, the other parent may seek enforcement through the court. Violations may include:
• Denying scheduled parenting time
• Failing to attend exchanges or returning the child late
• Interfering with communication
• Making unilateral decisions without authority
• Relocating without permission
• Refusing to comply with shared parenting terms
We help parents file motions to enforce custody or motions to show cause and represent them in contempt hearings. Our goal is always to restore compliance with the court order while minimizing unnecessary conflict whenever possible.
Custody for Unmarried Parents in Ohio
Unmarried parents face additional considerations. In Ohio, the mother automatically has legal custody at the time of birth. A father must establish paternity before requesting custody or parenting time. Once paternity is established, both parents have equal rights to pursue shared parenting or custody orders. Our firm represents both mothers and fathers and helps them understand their legal rights and responsibilities.
Supporting Fathers in Custody Disputes
Although Ohio law does not favor one parent over another, fathers often feel they face additional challenges. Attorney Shook regularly assists fathers in establishing paternity, securing shared parenting, obtaining meaningful parenting time, and addressing allegations that may affect their rights. We believe that children benefit from healthy relationships with both parents, and we work to ensure fathers have the opportunity to remain active and involved.
Custody and Protection Orders
When safety concerns intersect with custody matters, it is important to work with an attorney who understands both areas of law. Our firm represents clients seeking or defending against Civil Protection Orders and Domestic Violence Civil Protection Orders. These orders can significantly affect parenting time, and we help clients navigate the process while keeping the child’s safety and long-term needs at the forefront.
Why Choose Attorney David Shook
Parents in Toledo choose our firm because we provide:
• More than 34 years of family law experience
• Knowledge of Lucas County Domestic Relations Court and local evaluators
• Honest, practical guidance
• Strong negotiation and litigation skills
• A client-centered approach focused on communication and preparation
Child custody cases involve high stakes and significant emotional stress. Our firm provides steady support through every step of the process.
Contact a Child Custody Attorney in Toledo, Ohio
Your relationship with your child is one of the most important parts of your life. If you are facing a custody issue in Toledo or Northwest Ohio, the Law Office of Attorney David Shook is ready to help.
Call us at (419) 779-2027 or contact us through our online form to schedule a consultation. We are here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.