What is the Difference Between Shared Parenting and Sole Custody?

Are you unsure whether shared parenting or sole custody is right for your situation? Going through a divorce or separation is tough enough—when children are involved, it gets even more emotional and complicated. Maybe you're worried about losing time with your kids. Or maybe you’re concerned about the other parent's ability to provide a safe home. These are real concerns, and they deserve careful attention.

At Wagner & Bloch, we help parents in Cincinnati understand their custody options and make decisions that are best for their children and their future.

What Is Shared Parenting?

In Ohio, shared parenting doesn’t always mean a 50/50 split of time, but it does mean that both parents are involved in the big decisions—school, medical care, and more. Courts generally support shared parenting when both parents can communicate effectively and create a stable environment for the children. In this arrangement:

• Both parents have legal rights to make decisions.
• Parenting time may be divided in a way that works for the children’s schedule.
• The focus is on cooperation and consistency between households.

Shared parenting works best when both parents can co-parent respectfully and keep the children's needs at the center.

What Is Sole Custody?

Sole custody gives one parent the legal authority to make major decisions for the children. The children may live primarily with that parent, while the other parent may have visitation rights.

Sole custody may be granted when:

• There’s a history of abuse, neglect, or substance use.
• One parent is absent or uninvolved.
• The parents have extremely high conflict and cannot co-parent effectively.

Even in sole custody cases, the court will encourage the non-custodial parent to maintain a relationship with the children—unless it’s unsafe.

What Do Ohio Courts Consider?

Every custody decision is based on the children’s best interest. In Cincinnati, the court will look at:

• Each parent’s ability to provide a safe, loving home.
• The children’s relationship with each parent.
• The physical and mental health of all parties.
• Any history of domestic violence or neglect.
• How well the parents can cooperate and communicate.

A skilled child custody lawyer in Ohio can help you present your case clearly and persuasively.

Which Custody Arrangement Is Right for You?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Shared parenting can promote stability and connection, but it’s not always appropriate. Sole custody may be the safest route in high-conflict or unsafe situations.

Wagner & Bloch will take the time to understand your family’s needs and help you build a custody plan that puts your children first.

Talk to a Cincinnati Child Custody Lawyer Today

You don’t have to figure this out alone. At Wagner & Bloch, we’ve helped families across Cincinnati work through custody challenges with clarity and care. Whether you're hoping for shared parenting or need full custody for your children’s safety, we're ready to stand by your side.

‍Contact us today to schedule a consultation. We’ll walk you through your options and help you protect what matters most— your children.