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Back-to-School Custody Tips | Family Law in Ohio

Written by Plakas Mannos | Aug 19, 2025 12:06:33 PM

As the new school year approaches, routines shift—bedtimes are earlier, fall sports ramp up, calendars fill, and children return to classrooms with new teachers, schedules, and extracurricular commitments. It’s also an ideal time for parents to revisit and, if needed, revise their existing shared parenting or custody arrangements to ensure everything is working towards a smooth school year, and is in line with the parents’ current circumstances and the children’s physical, emotional, and educational needs.

Why should I look at my shared parenting arrangements now?   

Why now? Because the start of a new school year brings structure. This natural transition point can highlight what’s working—and what’s not—when it comes to co-parenting logistics. Are pick-up and drop-off schedules still realistic? Does the parenting plan reflect current extracurriculars or changes in work schedules? Is child support appropriate for what is actually happening?  Have there been any changes in your children’s needs? Addressing these questions now can help avoid conflict later and support a smoother, more predictable school year for everyone—especially your children. If you have concerns, an experienced child custody lawyer from the Family Law team at Plakas Mannos can help evaluate your situation and determine the best next steps.

Why should I call Plakas Mannos’s family law team?  

At Plakas Mannos, our Domestic Relations team understands how important it is for families to feel confident in their parenting arrangements. Attorneys Jim Mannos, Marietta Pavlidis, Pete Cahoon, and Michael John bring a decade of experience in navigating the complexities of custody and parenting time with clarity, compassion, and a firm understanding of Ohio law. We pride ourselves on our clear communication with - and achieved outcomes for - our family law clients. We also ensure that our representation is personalized towards your goals. Whether you’re looking to modify an existing order or create a more practical parenting schedule, we’re here and ready to help.  

Our team is supported by dedicated domestic relations paralegals Kaitlyn Ferrall and Jamie Menser, who provide experienced and empathetic assistance throughout the process. Together, our entire team ensures your case is handled with the care and attention it deserves.  

Back-to-school doesn’t just mean new backpacks and sharpened pencils—it can also mean a fresh start for your parenting plan. If it’s time for a change, our child custody lawyers are here to help.  

Learn more about our Domestic Relations and Family Law team at lawlion.com. 

Our Domestic Relations & Family Law Team

James Mannos focuses on real estate transactionsestate and probate matters, family law, and Claimant-side workers’ compensation matters. Peter Cahoon is an attorney and partner at Plakas Mannos focusing on family law, divorce, dissolution, spousal support, and civil fraud. Marietta Pavlidis is a litigation attorney who practices in family law, divorce, dissolution, spousal support, and workers’ compensation law. Michael  A. Johnis an associateattorneyat Plakas Mannos who focuses his practice ondomestic relations,personal injury,and general litigation.