Co-Parenting in Ohio

16 verified resources.

About Co-Parenting for Fathers

Co-parenting programs help separated and divorced parents share custody constructively, minimize conflict, and raise children across two households. Most states require court-ordered parent education (often called 'parenting classes' or 'children first' programs) before finalizing a divorce or custody order involving minor children. These classes are usually four to six hours, available online or in person, and cost 5–$75. Private co-parenting mediation is available through court-based mediation programs (often free or sliding-scale) and through private mediators certified by state mediation councils. Digital tools like OurFamilyWizard, Talking Parents, and 2Houses provide court-admissible communication logs, shared calendars, expense tracking, and messaging — many family courts now encourage or require their use in high-conflict cases. This directory includes all three: state-required classes, mediators, and co-parenting apps.

Co-Parenting in Ohio

Ohio has dedicated Domestic Relations Courts and Juvenile Courts (which handle paternity and unmarried-parent custody) in most counties. The Office of Child Support operates under JFS. Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Toledo, and Akron anchor the major metros. The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland, Southeastern Ohio Legal Services, Legal Aid of Western Ohio, and Community Legal Aid cover the state.

16 Resources

1. Franklin County - Focus on Children Program — Paid

Court-required parenting education class for divorcing and separating parents in Franklin County. Covers the impact of separation on children, co-parenting communication strategies, and how to minimize conflict. Completion is typically ordered by the court early in the case. Call 614-525-3160 for class schedule information. A fee is charged. Bring your case number and the court's order requiring the class.

614-525-3160 · 373 S High St, Columbus, OH 43215 · Class sessions vary; court Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

2. Cuyahoga County Domestic Relations - Mediation — Free

Court-connected mediation services helping parents in Cuyahoga County and the Cleveland area reach voluntary agreements on custody, visitation, and parenting plans without adversarial litigation. Trained mediators facilitate structured discussions to help both parents focus on the best interests of their children. Call 216-443-8012 Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm. Referrals typically come through the court — ask your judge or attorney about scheduling.

216-443-8012 · 1 Lakeside Ave, Cleveland, OH 44113 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm

3. Hamilton County - Conciliation & Mediation — Free

Offers mediation and conciliation services for Hamilton County and Cincinnati-area families dealing with custody and co-parenting disputes. Also administers a mandatory parenting seminar required by the court for divorcing parents. Trained mediators help parents reach voluntary agreements on custody and visitation. Call 513-946-9000 Mon-Fri 8am-4pm. Referrals come through the court — bring your case number.

513-946-9000 · 800 Broadway, Cincinnati, OH 45202 · Mon-Fri 8am-4pm · Visit Website

4. OurFamilyWizard — Paid

Co-parenting communication platform widely accepted and often ordered by Ohio courts. Features shared custody calendars, expense tracking with receipt uploads, and a ToneMeter tool that flags potentially inflammatory messages before sending. All communications are logged and printable for court use. Call 866-755-9991 or email support@ourfamilywizard.com. Subscription fee applies; fee waivers available for low-income users.

866-755-9991 · App/web-based · Online 24/7; phone Mon-Fri 8am-5pm CT · Visit Website

5. TalkingParents — Free

Court-admissible co-parenting communication app used by Ohio families and accepted by family courts across the state. All messages are permanently timestamped, uneditable, and create secure records that can be printed and submitted to court. Free basic plan available. Email support@talkingparents.com for help. Available on iOS and Android — search TalkingParents in the app store to get started today.

App/web-based · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

6. Ohio Supreme Court - Parenting Plan Forms — Free

Official Ohio Supreme Court standardized parenting plan forms including Uniform Domestic Relations Form 17 and shared parenting plan templates required for custody filings statewide. These forms are free to download and must be used in most Ohio family court filings. Visit supremecourt.ohio.gov to access all forms. Located at 65 S Front St, Columbus. Forms available online 24/7 — no appointment needed.

65 S Front St, Columbus, OH 43215 · Forms online 24/7 · Visit Website

7. Center for Family Safety and Healing (Columbus) — Paid

Provides supervised visitation and safe child exchange services for families in the Columbus area where safety concerns exist between co-parents. Serves court-referred families through Franklin County courts. Call 614-722-8200 to inquire about referral requirements and scheduling. Located at 655 E Livingston Ave, Columbus, OH 43205. Visit nationwidechildrens.org for program information. Fees apply — court can order participation and may address cost allocation.

614-722-8200 · 655 E Livingston Ave, Columbus, OH 43205 · Supervised visits by appointment; office Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

8. Beech Brook - Supervised Visitation (Cleveland) — Paid

Provides supervised visitation and monitored safe child exchange services for families in the Greater Cleveland area where safety concerns exist. Serves court-referred families to ensure safe parent-child contact in a neutral setting. Call 216-831-2255 Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm or email info@beechbrook.org. Located at 3737 Lander Rd, Pepper Pike, OH 44124. Visit beechbrook.org for information. Court referral typically required — fees apply.

216-831-2255 · 3737 Lander Rd, Pepper Pike, OH 44124 · Supervised visits by appointment; office Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

9. Summit County Domestic Relations - Mediation — Free

Court-connected mediation services helping Akron-area and Summit County parents reach voluntary agreements on custody, parenting time, and shared parenting plans without contested hearings. Trained mediators facilitate structured, neutral sessions focused on children's best interests. Call 330-643-2350 Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm. Referrals typically come through the court — ask your assigned judge or your attorney about scheduling a mediation session.

330-643-2350 · 205 S Main St, Akron, OH 44308 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

10. Montgomery County Domestic Relations - Mediation — Free

Free court-connected mediation services for Dayton-area and Montgomery County families dealing with custody, parenting time, and co-parenting disputes. Trained mediators help both parents reach mutually agreeable solutions without adversarial court hearings. Call 937-225-4063 Mon-Fri 8am-4pm or visit mcohio.org. Mediation referrals typically come from the judge assigned to your case — ask your attorney about eligibility.

937-225-4063 · 301 W Third St, Dayton, OH 45422 · Mon-Fri 8am-4pm · Visit Website

11. Lucas County Domestic Relations - Mediation — Free

Court-connected mediation services helping Toledo-area and Lucas County parents resolve parenting time, custody, and co-parenting disputes collaboratively without contested litigation. Trained mediators facilitate structured sessions to help parents reach voluntary agreements in their children's best interests. Call 419-213-6820 Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm or visit lucascountycourt.org. Referrals come from the assigned court judge.

419-213-6820 · 429 Michigan St, Toledo, OH 43604 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

12. Catholic Charities Diocese of Cleveland - Co-Parenting — Paid

Offers co-parenting workshops and family counseling through Catholic Charities Diocese of Cleveland to help separated parents improve communication, reduce conflict, and prioritize their children's well-being. Services open to all regardless of religious affiliation. Call 216-334-2900 Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm or visit ccdocle.org for workshop schedules and counseling appointments. Fees may apply — ask about financial assistance options.

216-334-2900 · 7911 Detroit Ave, Cleveland, OH 44102 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

13. Children's Hospital Colorado - Online Co-Parenting Resources — Free

National evidence-based online co-parenting resources including guides on parallel parenting, managing high-conflict situations, minimizing children's exposure to parental disputes, and supporting children through divorce and separation. Free to access at healthychildren.org anytime. Developed by pediatric experts and used by Ohio family courts and parenting educators. No registration or fee required to view resources.

Online resource · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

14. Butler County Domestic Relations - Mediation — Free

Court-connected mediation for Butler County families in the Hamilton and Middletown area to resolve parenting time, custody, and co-parenting disputes without adversarial litigation. Trained mediators help both parents reach agreements focused on children's best interests. Call 513-887-3278 Mon-Fri 8am-4pm or visit butlercountyohio.org. Referrals typically come from the assigned judge — bring your case number and any prior court orders.

513-887-3278 · 130 High St, Hamilton, OH 45011 · Mon-Fri 8am-4pm · Visit Website

15. Coparenter App — Paid

Co-parenting app offering secure messaging, shared custody scheduling, expense tracking, and on-demand access to family law professionals for guidance. Used by Ohio families to stay organized and reduce conflict. All communications are recorded and can be used in court. Available on iOS and Android. Email support@coparenter.com for help. Visit coparenter.com to create an account and start a free trial today.

App/web-based · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

16. Ohio Mediation Association — Paid

Professional association connecting Ohio families to certified mediators specializing in custody, co-parenting, divorce, and family disputes across all regions of the state. Provides a searchable mediator directory, ethics standards, and training for Ohio mediators. Call 614-221-6825 or email info@mediateohio.org Mon-Fri 9am-5pm. Fees vary by mediator — private mediation costs less than contested litigation and is often faster.

614-221-6825 · Columbus, OH (statewide referrals) · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

Co-Parenting — Common Questions

Is a parenting class required for divorce?
In most states, yes — a short court-approved co-parenting course (4–6 hours, 5–$75, often online) is required before any divorce or custody order involving minor children is finalized. Check your state court's approved provider list.
What's the difference between mediation and court?
Mediation is a confidential negotiation with a neutral third party helping both parents agree on a parenting plan. It's faster, cheaper, and less adversarial than litigation. If mediation fails or one parent refuses, the court decides. Court-based mediation programs are usually free or sliding-scale.
Which co-parenting apps do courts accept?
OurFamilyWizard, Talking Parents, and 2Houses are court-admissible in most US jurisdictions. They provide tamper-proof message logs, shared calendars, expense tracking, and documentation judges will read if conflict escalates.
What is a parenting plan?
A written document (required in every custody order) detailing where the child lives, when each parent has parenting time, how decisions are made, how holidays are handled, how to resolve disputes, and how to handle changes. Courts provide templates; customized plans are stronger than boilerplate.