Danielle's Story- A Mother's Long Path to Reunification with Her Daughter

Danielle* came to Legal Aid of Western Ohio (LAWO) after being separated from her young daughter for nine months. The child had been living with her father, who did not have legal custody or court-ordered parenting time, and his extended family. During this time, they did not allow Danielle to see or communicate with her daughter or receive any updates about her well-being.

LAWO attorney Lisa Thomas took on the case. Over the course of several months, she reached out to a range of agencies for assistance, including the Toledo Police Department (TPD), Lucas County Children Services (LCCS), the Toledo Municipal Court prosecutors, Domestic Relations Court, Juvenile Court, and juvenile prosecutors. Despite these efforts, there was little progress in resolving the situation.

Thomas then pursued legal remedies through Juvenile Court, including filing a habeas corpus petition (a request for an order to appear before the court with the child).  Although a magistrate denied the request, Thomas filed an objection that brought the case before Judge Stoner.

In the meantime, she also contacted the Ohio Attorney General’s Office and connected with an agent from the Bureau of Criminal Investigations. The agent was able to meet with the father’s family to confirm the child’s safety—something that had not been previously accomplished.

After reviewing the case, Judge Stoner issued an emergency order requiring the father and paternal grandmother to return the child to Danielle. The order stated that failure to comply could result in prosecution. Following the order, TPD assigned a detective unit to assist in locating the child, as the family had moved from their previous residence.

Several attempts were made to facilitate the return of the child. One of those efforts included Thomas accompanying Danielle to a scheduled exchange that did not take place. Eventually, with the help of the detective, an exchange was successfully completed, and Danielle was reunited with her daughter.

In addition to working on the reunification, Thomas also obtained a domestic violence protection order for Danielle against the father. Legal proceedings are ongoing, including a third-party custody case filed by the paternal grandmother and a reported custody filing by the father.

Danielle’s story is just one example of the complex family law matters and the important role that legal aid attorneys play in supporting parents and families navigating difficult legal and personal circumstances.

*Name changed for privacy.