Unless he has an order from the court ordering the children to be returned immediately, you are under no obligation to do return them right away. Nor are you required to return until the first court date.

So unless there is an order saying otherwise, the attorney was correct that you do not have to return with your children yet. That decision will be made by the court at the first hearing on temporary orders. Just be prepared to promptly do so if the court orders this.

But unless the attorney who gave you the advice is licensed in Ohio, you need to promptly hire a good attorney in Ohio, who can then better advise you on how to proceed, what the temperament of the judge assigned to your case may be, and to be ready for the first hearing. This includes establishing who lives where, whether or not you have possession of the marital home with your children, payment of child support and temporary spousal support, visitation, and other incidentals.

The first hearing is very important and often sets the tone for the remainder of the divorce custody proceeding. So borrow money from your family to hire a good attorney if needed.