Ohio
What is shared parenting in Ohio?
Quick answer
Shared parenting is Ohio’s term for an order in which parents share, as set out in a court-approved plan, all or some aspects of the physical and legal care of their children (R.C. 3109.04(K)). A court can order it only if at least one parent asks and files a shared parenting plan and the court finds a plan in the children’s best interest (R.C. 3109.04(A)(2), (G)).
Researched by Dan Martin, Legal Researcher · Published by Onbello Legal · Last updated October 2026
Filing a plan
In a dissolution the plan is filed with the petition; in other cases, at least 30 days before the hearing on parental rights and responsibilities. It must cover all factors relevant to the children’s care, including living arrangements, child support, medical and dental care, school placement, and holidays (R.C. 3109.04(G)). The Supreme Court of Ohio publishes a uniform Shared Parenting Plan, Form 20.
What the court weighs
Besides the R.C. 3109.04(F)(1) best interest factors and the R.C. 3119.23 factors, the court considers the parents’ ability to cooperate and make decisions jointly, each parent’s ability to encourage the child’s relationship with the other, any history of or potential for abuse, domestic violence, or parental kidnapping, the parents’ geographic proximity, and any guardian ad litem recommendation (R.C. 3109.04(F)(2)).
Child support
Shared parenting does not eliminate child support. Support is calculated with the schedule and worksheet, and the court may deviate only with the findings R.C. 3119.24 requires.
Tools and resources
Where to check this
Forms, deadlines, and local rules change. Verify anything on this page against the official self-help resources for your state before you rely on it.
This page is general legal information, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney–client relationship. Laws and local rules vary and change. For advice about your situation, consult a licensed family-law attorney in your state.