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Ohio Juvenile Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Juvenile Law for Ohio on
Q: I wasn’t able to sign my daughter’s birth certificate now her mother new boyfriend is wanting to adopt her.

I haven’t been able to see her because the mother refuses to let me come to their house or to meet me. She won’t let any of my family see her. Her Son is not her boyfriend either but he has boyfriends last name and he can’t have children. How is this legal for her to do?

Joseph Jaap
Joseph Jaap
answered on Mar 5, 2021

If the mother is not married, then she is the sole legal custodian of the child, and decides who can or can't have time with the child. It does not matter whose name is on the birth certificate. The biological father would have to prove paternity, then file with the juvenile court for... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody, Child Support and Juvenile Law for Ohio on
Q: My son is 15. I'm wanting a 50/50 agreement. Do I need to file a motion to modify custody, or just visitation?

We currently have a shared parenting agreement. I have him twice a week after school until 8 and every other weekend. We split all holidays and breaks from school. But the magistrate said she still considers it basically standard visitation, and the mother the primary guardian or custodial parent,... View More

Cathy Cook
Cathy Cook
answered on Mar 2, 2021

Yes, you should file to modify parenting time. It would be best to have an attorney assist you in how best to present your arguments. You will probably want to ask the magistrate or judge to interview him on what time he’d like with you.

1 Answer | Asked in Juvenile Law for Ohio on
Q: I bought an iPhone and airpods with my own hard earned money. Then my dad just took it away and wont give it back.

He took it and wont give it back to me. Is he legally allowed to do that?

Cathy Cook
Cathy Cook
answered on Feb 13, 2021

I'm sorry for your situation. Unfortunately, while you are a minor, your parents are in control. Unless your father is physically abusing you, there is nothing you can legally do.

1 Answer | Asked in Juvenile Law and Criminal Law for Ohio on
Q: I have a capias my juvenile son is being sentenced tomarrow if he is released will Juvenile court run my name

I wasnt abke to clear my capias for probation before my sons sentencing hearing( he is a juvenile) court is in person. If he is released to me will jv court run my name prior to his relases? In. Other words if i show up to his court will i be arrrested and currently noone is aware i have this... View More

Matthew Williams
Matthew Williams
answered on Jan 21, 2021

It's unlikely, but not impossible. You really ought to clear up your warrant.

1 Answer | Asked in Juvenile Law for Ohio on
Q: i’m 17 in ohio, let’s say i want to leave at 11pm and want to come back home at 3 or 4 is that illegally?

like let’s say i want to go out with my friends and come home late but i’m still coming back to sleep under there roof is that illegal or is it allowed

Joseph Jaap
Joseph Jaap
answered on Jan 11, 2021

Parents have the legal duty, right, and responsibility to set boundaries for their children, including curfews. Nothing good ever happens after 11 PM -- only mistakes. Parents make the rules for their children who are minors, and can restrict which "friends" they associate with. It is... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Juvenile Law for Ohio on
Q: What can happen if i run away 2 months before my 18th birthday

I'm 17 and will be 18 in 2 months. I cant stand my mom anymore she grounded me for seeing my boyfriend and is homophobic im a male and dating a Male. I live in Logan Ohio and my mom has cameras all over the house. She also tracks my phone and one of the cameras are in my room. I don't... View More

Joseph Jaap
Joseph Jaap
answered on Dec 7, 2020

That is an unfortunate situation for you, but running away is not a good plan. Talk to a school counselor, teacher, or other trusted adult.

1 Answer | Asked in Juvenile Law for Ohio on
Q: Im 15 and I want to be emancipated, how would I go about that ?
Joseph Jaap
Joseph Jaap
answered on Nov 30, 2020

Ohio does not allow such voluntary emancipation. Here is more information:

https://www.ohiobar.org/public-resources/commonly-asked-law-questions-results/family-relations/circumstances-say-whether-minors-are-emancipated/

If there are problems at home, talk to a family member,...
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1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets and Juvenile Law for Ohio on
Q: I got pulled over for the first time the other day for going 80 in a 65 and since I’m 16 I need to appear in court.

Will they take away my liscence? Give me a ticket? Or make me take an additional driving class? Also would they drug test me?

Joseph Jaap
Joseph Jaap
answered on Oct 19, 2020

All of those penalties are up to the judge, who will likely feel that an inexperienced driver going 80 mph is totally irresponsible, and endangers the lives of others. Driving is a privilege, not a right, so when you endanger others, expect not to be driving for a while. Use the Find a Lawyer tab... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Juvenile Law for Ohio on
Q: Can a 19 year old date a 16 year old who’s turning 17. Me and my boyfriend are 2 years and 4 months apart.

Can they also engage in sexual activity

Joseph Jaap
Joseph Jaap
answered on Oct 12, 2020

Engaging in that activity would be a criminal offense, and the older person could be classified as a sex offender.

1 Answer | Asked in Juvenile Law for Ohio on
Q: How much time can a juvenile get for 17 breaking an entering charges in ohio
Joseph Jaap
Joseph Jaap
answered on Sep 25, 2020

Use the Find a Lawyer tab to retain a local criminal attorney to represent you and advise you what your local court might impose.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Juvenile Law for Ohio on
Q: I want to get emancipated. I live in Ohio i am 16 but I have questions to see if I have a chance.
Joseph Jaap
Joseph Jaap
answered on Aug 17, 2020

A minor cannot be emancipated in Ohio. It is normal for there to be friction between teens and their parents. Talk to your parents, other family members, a teacher, or other trusted adult if there are problems. Here is a link to more information about emancipation in Ohio:... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury and Juvenile Law for Ohio on
Q: Can i take a 14 year old to court for hurting me?

I babysit for my friends mom, the 14 year old threw a tennis ball at my face and busted my lip while making area of impact and lower left face numb. Can i take him to court, i have a witness to this as well.

Taylor P Waters
Taylor P Waters
answered on Aug 13, 2020

Parents are usually responsible for the actions of minor children, so you'd likely want to sue the parents as well.

2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Family Law, Appeals / Appellate Law and Juvenile Law for Ohio on
Q: What is the process of getting emancipated if petitioning to the court isn’t an option?

I have been having major issues with my adoptive family for as long as I can remember and I am finally at the point where I can’t take any more. My 16th birthday is approaching soon and I have a stable job with a great income and I am trying to go about emancipation so that I can move on from the... View More

Cathy Cook
Cathy Cook
answered on Aug 2, 2020

I am sorry to hear about your situation. I am also sorry to tell you that, in Ohio, there is no ability for a minor to emancipate herself.

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Juvenile Law for Ohio on
Q: What are my options to get away from home before 18, I'll be 17 soon. Can I possibly get my own place?

I'm 17 in 2 months. Neither of my parents want me at their house but are keeping me out of obligation. My mom recently threatened to send me to boot camp. I don't do everything perfect and I do mess up a lot. But all of my major accomplishments, I did it by myself and I know I would be... View More

Joseph Jaap
Joseph Jaap
answered on Aug 3, 2020

Your parents have a legal obligation to support you until you are 18. Ohio does not allow emancipation for your situation. Teens and parents often find it difficult to live together. So talk to your parents, a teacher, coach, school counselor, pastor, or other trusted adult who can review your... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Juvenile Law for Ohio on
Q: Is it possible to get emancipated being on probation just turning 17?

I’m bouta turn 17 and want to get my own apartment but I’m on probation..would this be possible at all?? I can show that I can financially take care of myself.

Joseph Jaap
Joseph Jaap
answered on Jul 27, 2020

Ohio does not allow emancipation for your situation. A landlord is unlikely to rent to a minor, since the lease would be unenforceable against you. More information at this link:... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Juvenile Law for Ohio on
Q: A friend of mine has legal custody of her 3 nieces and nephews. If they are still in High School when they turn 18

can she stop them from moving out?

Nicholas P. Weiss
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answered on Jul 21, 2020

No. They are adults at that time.

1 Answer | Asked in Juvenile Law for Ohio on
Q: I’m 18 Can I move out Of my parents house while on truency as long as I show up for my court date?

I’m a Findlay High School Student,and I have some questions about the diversion program. I just recently turned 18 years of age and was wondering what’s the law’s on me leaving home while still under this program and in school? I’m planning on moving across the United state’s too finish... View More

Joseph Jaap
Joseph Jaap
answered on Jul 1, 2020

Talk to a teacher or school counselor about your situation. They can advise you of what can happen.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Juvenile Law for Ohio on
Q: I'm 17 but turning 18 this December my boyfriend is 18 and my mother wants to put a restraining order on him. I wanted

To know if she can do that. Or if I can remove the order when I turn 18

Joseph Jaap
Joseph Jaap
answered on Jun 25, 2020

Yes, parents can take actions to restrict others from having contact with their children. Whether an order can be lifted when you are a 18, depends on what the order says.

1 Answer | Asked in Health Care Law and Juvenile Law for Ohio on
Q: I'm 17 and have an eating disorder. Can I legally refuse treatment? If not, can I refuse when I turn 18?

My parents have threatened to get a guardianship if I relapse again. Can I refuse treatment at 17 if I'm in a guardianship? What if I'm 18 and in a guardianship?

Joseph Jaap
Joseph Jaap
answered on Jun 24, 2020

Parents make decisions for a minor, including medical treatments. They decisions can be enforced by a court. At age 18, if the court appoints a guardian, then the guardian makes those decisions, and the court can enforce them. If you overcome the disorder through successful treatment programs to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Juvenile Law for Ohio on
Q: If you are severed court papers but it has the wrong name do they have to drop it ?

My son is being charged as a delinquent minor, he was at my sisters house drinking, the law was called because my sister and her husband was fighting, my son wasn’t violent at all or unruly other than drinking! When we got the court papers they filed charges under the arresting officers name and... View More

Matthew Williams
Matthew Williams
answered on Jun 19, 2020

You’re almost certainly looking at a complaint signed by the officer. You should get a lawyer for your kid.

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