Practice Areas
Custody Law. Nothing Else.
This practice is devoted exclusively to child custody and related family law matters. That singular focus means deeper expertise, more current knowledge, and better outcomes for your case.
High-Conflict Custody Specialist
Laurie Gibson's prosecutor background makes her particularly effective in high-conflict custody cases involving parental alienation, false allegations, contempt, or a co-parent who refuses to cooperate. If your case is contested or complex, her institutional experience is your advantage.
Child Custody & Visitation
High-ConflictEstablishing or defending your parental rights in court
Ohio courts determine custody based on the 'best interest of the child' standard under ORC 3109.04. This involves a multi-factor analysis that examines your relationship with your child, your living situation, your ability to support the other parent's relationship with the child, and much more. Getting this right requires an attorney who knows how to build and present a compelling factual record.
What's Included
Laurie's Approach
Laurie's prosecutor background means she approaches custody cases the way a prosecutor builds a case: methodically, with attention to the evidence that actually moves judges. She doesn't just argue that you're a good parent — she builds a documented record that proves it.
Uncontested cases can resolve in 60–90 days. Contested cases typically take 6–18 months depending on complexity and court scheduling.
Shared Parenting Plans
Agreements that work in the real world, not just on paper
A poorly drafted parenting plan is a recipe for future conflict. Vague language about 'reasonable visitation' or 'mutual agreement' sounds cooperative but creates disputes. A well-drafted plan is specific, comprehensive, and leaves little room for interpretation — protecting both parents and, most importantly, the child.
What's Included
Laurie's Approach
Laurie drafts parenting plans that anticipate conflict before it happens. Having seen how these agreements play out in court, she knows which provisions matter and which create problems down the road.
Parenting plan drafting typically takes 2–4 weeks. Court approval adds additional time depending on whether the plan is contested.
High-Conflict Custody Cases
High-ConflictWhen the other parent won't cooperate — or is actively working against you
High-conflict custody cases involve a different set of challenges: parental alienation, false allegations, refusal to comply with court orders, substance abuse, domestic violence, or a co-parent who uses the children as leverage. These cases require an attorney who understands these dynamics from an institutional perspective — not just from the family law side.
What's Included
Laurie's Approach
This is where Laurie's prosecutor background is most valuable. She has seen how courts evaluate high-conflict family dynamics from the institutional side. She knows what evidence is credible, what allegations are taken seriously, and how to present your case in a way that resonates with judges who have seen every manipulation tactic in the book.
High-conflict cases are inherently unpredictable. Laurie will give you an honest assessment of the timeline and what to expect at each stage.
Parenting Plan Modifications
When your current order no longer serves your child's best interest
Ohio courts will modify a custody order when there has been a change in circumstances since the last order AND the modification is in the child's best interest. Both elements must be proven. Common triggers include a parent's relocation, a significant change in the child's needs, a parent's inability to provide a stable environment, or a child's expressed preference (for older children).
What's Included
Laurie's Approach
Laurie will give you an honest assessment of whether you have grounds for modification before you invest in litigation. If the grounds are there, she builds a compelling factual record that demonstrates both the change in circumstances and the benefit to your child.
Modification proceedings typically take 3–12 months depending on whether the modification is contested and court scheduling.
Grandparent Rights
Ohio law provides specific pathways for grandparents seeking visitation or custody
Ohio's grandparent visitation statute (ORC 3109.051) allows grandparents to seek visitation rights under specific circumstances, including when the parents are divorced, separated, or when a parent has died. Grandparents can also seek custody in cases where neither parent is able to provide a stable, safe environment for the child.
What's Included
Laurie's Approach
Grandparent rights cases require a nuanced understanding of both the statutory framework and the constitutional limitations on court intervention in family matters. Laurie has specific experience with these proceedings and can give you an honest assessment of your options.
Grandparent rights cases vary significantly in timeline depending on whether the parents contest the petition and the complexity of the family situation.
Paternity & Child Support
Establishing the legal foundation for parental rights
Paternity is the legal foundation of parental rights for unmarried fathers. Without established paternity, a father has no legal right to custody or visitation — and no legal obligation to pay support. Establishing paternity through the courts creates the legal relationship that allows both parents to assert their rights and responsibilities.
What's Included
Laurie's Approach
Paternity and custody are often addressed simultaneously. Laurie handles both in a coordinated strategy that establishes your legal relationship with your child and protects your parenting rights from the outset.
Uncontested paternity cases can resolve in 30–60 days. Contested cases take longer depending on DNA testing and court scheduling.
Fees & Payment
Transparent Pricing. No Surprises.
Laurie believes in clear, upfront communication about fees. Here's what you can expect before you commit to representation.
Ready to Discuss Your Case?
Call for a free 15-minute consultation. Laurie will give you an honest assessment of your situation and your options — no obligation.
(513) 474-1144