Reform priority 1 of 14
Presumption of standing
A legally established parent should have presumptive standing to a real relationship with their child.
Stub. Model language, evidence, fiscal note, and rubric score are in drafting.
The problem
Under ORC § 3109.042, an unmarried mother is the sole residential parent and legal custodian until a court orders otherwise. A father whose parentage is established must still petition before he has any enforceable parenting time.
Current Ohio law
What we propose
Once parentage is established by acknowledgment or adjudication, presume standing to a meaningful relationship, and place the burden on the party seeking to limit it.
Strongest objections, and our response
To be written. Every priority page states its best counterarguments in their strongest form.
Model language
To be drafted.
Rubric score
Pending. Scored against Articles 1–7.