Mothers’ Rights Attorney in Columbus

Personal Family Law Representation, Handled by Me Directly

Ohio law treats custody decisions through a gender-neutral lens, which means a mother’s parental rights don’t protect themselves. They have to be clearly presented, documented, and advocated for in court. I’ve been representing mothers in Franklin County family law matters for decades, and I handle every case personally. Whether you’re navigating a divorce, working through a custody dispute, or dealing with a parenting arrangement that no longer fits your family’s reality, I’m here to help you understand your options and pursue an approach that supports your children’s well-being.

At Catherine M. White, Attorney at Law, you’re treated as an individual. I take the time to understand your specific circumstances, keep you informed at every stage, and work toward resolutions that prioritize what matters most to you and your children.

If you’re a mother facing a custody, divorce, or parenting dispute in Columbus or Franklin County, I’m ready to help. Call me at (614) 426-8720 to schedule a consultation.

How Ohio Law Applies to Mothers in Custody Cases

The Franklin County Domestic Relations Court handles custody, parenting time, child support, and divorce matters for Columbus-area families. Ohio courts make custody decisions based on the best interests of the child standard, not a parent’s gender. Your marital status at the time of your child’s birth shapes your starting legal position, and understanding where you stand is the first step toward protecting your rights.

Under Ohio Revised Code § 3109.042, an unmarried mother is automatically the sole residential parent and legal custodian of her child from birth. That status remains in place until a court issues an order designating a different arrangement. Married mothers stand on equal legal footing with fathers in custody proceedings. In either situation, your parental rights need to be actively presented and supported throughout the process.

Factors the court considers include each parent’s involvement in day-to-day caregiving, the child’s established relationships with each parent, the stability of each living arrangement, and each parent’s willingness to support the child’s relationship with the other parent.

Family Law Matters I Handle for Mothers in Columbus

Mothers come to me with a wide range of concerns. Some are going through divorce and need guidance on custody, parenting time, and support all at once. Others are unmarried parents working to establish a clear legal arrangement for the first time. I provide thorough, honest counsel across all of these matters so you know where you stand at every point.

Custody & Parenting Time
Custody disputes may involve building a parenting plan, designating the primary residential parent, or modifying an existing order when circumstances have significantly changed. I work to establish arrangements that reflect your role in your children’s lives and support their long-term stability.

Child Support
Ohio calculates child support using the Ohio Child Support Guidelines, which account for both parents’ incomes, parenting time exercised, and the number of children. I help you understand how these calculations apply to your situation and work to seek a fair order based on the applicable factors.

Spousal Support
Mothers who stepped back from careers during marriage may have grounds to seek spousal support as part of a divorce or dissolution. Courts weigh the length of the marriage, each spouse’s earning capacity, and other relevant factors when determining whether support is appropriate and in what amount.

Post-Decree Modifications
Post-decree modifications allow a parent to return to court when a significant change in circumstances affects custody, parenting time, or support. I can help you evaluate whether your situation qualifies and how to proceed.

Unmarried Parent Matters
When parents aren’t married, establishing paternity and formalizing custody and support through a court order is an important step. I guide unmarried mothers through this process so their parental rights and their children’s interests are clearly defined under Ohio law.

Why Columbus Mothers Work with Me

I’ve been licensed in Ohio since 2001 and have practiced family law in Franklin County throughout my career. As a member of the Columbus Bar Association, I stay connected to the local legal community and the courts where my clients’ cases are heard. That familiarity matters when I’m helping you build a strategy for your situation.

I don’t treat clients as case files. I take the time to get to know you, explain what’s happening in plain language, and make sure you feel informed and supported rather than left to figure things out on your own. I also offer flexible payment plans because financial pressure is real for many mothers navigating these situations, and access to quality legal representation shouldn’t depend on where you are financially right now.

Ready to Discuss Your Situation?

If you’re a mother in Columbus or Franklin County dealing with a custody dispute, divorce, or a parenting arrangement that needs to change, I’d welcome the opportunity to talk through your options.

Contact Catherine M. White, Attorney at Law today by calling (614) 426-8720 or reaching out through my online contact form to schedule your consultation.