Ohio Child Support Basics

Navigating child support can feel overwhelming when you're already dealing with separation, divorce, or co-parenting challenges. Whether you're the parent paying child support or receiving it, understanding the fundamentals of Ohio's child support system is crucial for ensuring your children receive the financial support they deserve. This comprehensive guide breaks down the Ohio child support basics, helping you understand your rights, responsibilities, and the resources available to assist you.

What’s Child Support in Ohio?

Child support represents a legal obligation to support their children financially, regardless of the parents' relationship status. The amount of child support is calculated based on specific guidelines established by Ohio law, ensuring consistency and fairness across all cases in the state.

The primary goal of child support in Ohio is straightforward: to ensure children receive financial support from both parents to maintain their standard of living and meet their basic needs. Child support payments help cover essential expenses like food, shelter, clothing, medical care, and education.

Who Has the Legal Obligation to Pay Child Support?

In Ohio, both parents share the legal obligation to support their children financially. However, the way this obligation is fulfilled depends on custody arrangements and each parent's financial situation.

Standard Payment Arrangements

• Noncustodial parents typically make child support payments to the custodial parent
• The parent with the higher income generally pays support to the parent with lower income
• Even in shared parenting situations, one parent usually pays child support to balance financial contributions
• The custodial parent is presumed to spend their support obligation directly on the child during their parenting time

In split custody arrangements, where parents divide children between them, the parent with the higher income pays the difference between what each parent would owe. This ensures all children receive appropriate financial support regardless of which parent they primarily live with.

How Child Support Orders Are Established

Creating a child support order requires specific legal steps, whether parents are divorcing, separating, or were never married.

For Married Parents

When married parents divorce or legally separate, child support becomes part of the divorce decree or separation agreement. The court automatically addresses child support as part of the overall case, along with property division, spousal support, and custody arrangements.

For Unmarried Parents

When parents were never married, establishing paternity must occur before a child support order can be created. Establishing paternity legally identifies the father and confirms both parents' financial responsibilities toward the child.

Paternity can be established through:

• Voluntary acknowledgment signed by both parents at the hospital
• DNA testing ordered by the court or Child Support Enforcement Agency
• Court order following a paternity action

Once paternity is confirmed, either parent can request that the Child Support Enforcement Agency or the court establish a support order.

The Child Support Enforcement Agency's Role

Ohio's Child Support Enforcement Agency (CSEA) plays a central role in the child support system. Each county operates its own CSEA office, providing essential services to families:

CSEA Services Include

• Locating noncustodial parents who are not paying support
• Establishing child support orders through administrative hearings
• Collecting and distributing child support payments
• Enforcing child support orders when payments are missed
• Reviewing and modifying support orders when circumstances change
• Providing assistance with establishing paternity

The CSEA serves as a valuable resource for parents who need help navigating the child support system without hiring a private attorney, though parents always retain the right to legal representation.

Calculating the Amount of Child Support

Ohio uses a standardized formula called the "Income Shares Model" to calculate child support. This model is based on the principle that children should receive the same proportion of parental income they would have received if the parents lived together.

The Basic Child Support Schedule

The state maintains a basic child support schedule that outlines support obligations based on:

• Combined annual gross income of both parents
• Number of children requiring support
• Each parent's percentage of the total combined income

What Counts as Gross Income?

When calculating child support, gross income includes all sources of earnings and benefits:

Income Sources That Count

• Wages, salaries, and tips
• Overtime pay, bonuses, and commissions
• Self-employment income (minus ordinary business expenses)
• Unemployment compensation
• Workers' compensation benefits
• Disability benefits
• Social Security retirement or disability payments
• Pension and retirement income
• Interest and dividend income
• Rental income

Step-by-Step Child Support Calculation

Understanding how courts calculate child support helps parents anticipate their financial obligations:

Step 1: Determine Each Parent's Annual Gross Income

Add up all income sources for the past year to establish each parent's gross annual income.

Step 2: Make Allowable Adjustments

Adjust gross income for specific deductions like:

• Spousal support actually being paid to another person
• Support obligations for other children
• Health insurance premiums paid for the children

Step 3: Calculate Combined Income

Add both parents' adjusted gross incomes together to find the total combined income.

Step 4: Find the Basic Support Obligation

Use Ohio's child support schedule to locate the appropriate support amount based on combined income and number of children.

Step 5: Determine Each Parent's Percentage Share

Calculate what percentage each parent contributes to the total combined income.

Step 6: Calculate Individual Obligations

Multiply the basic support obligation by each parent's percentage share to determine their individual obligation.

Step 7: Apply Additional Adjustments

Factor in special circumstances like shared parenting time, child care costs, and medical expenses.

Child Care and Medical Support

Beyond basic child support, Ohio law requires parents to address children's healthcare needs and work-related childcare expenses.

Cash Medical Support

All child support orders in Ohio must include cash medical support, a monthly amount specifically designated to cover ordinary medical expenses. As of recent guidelines, this amount is set at $388.70 per child annually, though it adjusts periodically.

This cash medical support covers routine healthcare costs like:

• Doctor visits and checkups
• Prescription medications
• Basic dental care
• Routine vision care

Health Insurance Coverage

Every child support order must require at least one parent to provide health insurance coverage for the children when available at a reasonable cost through employment or other sources.

The parent ordered to provide health insurance receives credit against their income for out-of-pocket premium costs (excluding tax credits or subsidies). If neither parent has access to affordable health insurance, the court may divide the costs of obtaining private coverage.

Extraordinary Medical Expenses

Medical costs exceeding the annual cash medical support amount are considered "extraordinary medical expenses." These might include:

• Orthodontic treatment
• Major dental work
• Specialized therapy or counseling
• Treatment for chronic conditions
• Emergency medical care
• Costs not covered by insurance

Child support orders typically require parents to share these extraordinary expenses proportionate to their income percentages. For example, if Parent A earns 60% of the combined income, they would pay 60% of the extraordinary medical costs.

Work-Related Child Care Expenses

When the custodial parent works or attends job training, child care becomes necessary. These costs are added to the basic support obligation and divided between parents based on their income shares.

Only work-related child care qualifies for inclusion in the support calculation. The costs cannot exceed the statewide maximum average, and any subsidies or tax credits must be deducted from the total expense.

Special Circumstances Affecting Child Support

Ohio's child support system recognizes that families face unique situations requiring adjustments to standard calculations.

Shared Parenting Adjustments

When noncustodial parents have their children for at least 90 overnights per year (approximately 25% of the time), they automatically receive a 10% reduction in their child support obligation. This adjustment recognizes the direct expenses noncustodial parents incur during their parenting time.

Beyond this automatic reduction, courts may order additional adjustments when shared parenting arrangements significantly impact costs. However, having shared parenting does not automatically eliminate child support; one parent typically still pays support to balance resources.

Voluntary Unemployment or Underemployment

Some parents attempt to avoid child support obligations by quitting jobs or working below their capacity. Ohio addresses this through "imputed income", attributing income to a parent based on what they could reasonably earn.

Courts consider several factors when imputing income:

• Education level and training
• Work history and previous earnings
• Skills and abilities
• Local job market and available positions
• Physical and mental capacity to work

Imputed income typically won't apply when parents:

• Are incarcerated for more than one year
• Have documented disabilities preventing work
• Are genuinely seeking employment despite unemployment
• Receive means-tested public assistance

High-Income Cases

When parents' combined annual gross income exceeds $336,000, the standard child support schedule doesn't apply. Courts have discretion in these high-income cases, considering:

• The children's actual needs and lifestyle
• The standard of living the children would have enjoyed if parents had remained together
• Extraordinary expenses for education, activities, or special needs

Low-Income Considerations

Ohio law establishes a minimum child support order of $80 per month for all children covered by an order, though courts may order less (even zero dollars) in appropriate circumstances, such as when a parent has severe disabilities preventing any income.

The child support schedule incorporates a "self-sufficiency reserve" to ensure low-income parents retain enough income to meet their own basic needs while still contributing to their children's support.

Modifying Child Support Orders

Life circumstances change, and child support orders can be modified to reflect significant changes in either parent's situation.

When Can You Request a Modification?

Parents can request a child support modification in several situations:

Automatic Review Eligibility

After 36 months from when the order was issued or last modified, either parent can request an administrative review without proving changed circumstances.

Earlier Modification Based on Changed Circumstances

• Job loss or significant income decrease (not voluntary)
• Substantial income increase for either parent
• Change in the child's needs (medical, educational, or special requirements)
• Significant change in parenting time or custody arrangement
• Change in health insurance costs or availability

A "substantial change" typically means the recalculated support amount would be at least 10% higher or lower than the current order.

The Modification Process

Submit a Request for Administrative Review form to your local CSEA. The agency reviews both parents' current financial information and recommends adjustments if warranted.

File a motion with the court that issued the original order. The judge will hold a hearing and determine whether modification is appropriate based on evidence presented.

Both parents must provide current financial documentation, including:

• Recent pay stubs or income verification
• Tax returns from the past year
• Proof of health insurance costs
• Documentation of childcare expenses
• Evidence of the changed circumstances

Enforcing Child Support Obligations

When a parent fails to pay child support as ordered, serious consequences follow. The CSEA has powerful enforcement tools to collect past-due support.

Understanding Default and Arrears

A parent is considered "in default" when more than one month's support payment is overdue. Once in default, the CSEA sends a Notice of Default warning of potential enforcement actions.

Child support arrears (past-due amounts) cannot be forgiven, reduced, or eliminated by the court. Arrears are considered a judgment in favor of the child and accrue statutory interest. Even if the child reaches adulthood, unpaid arrears remain a legal debt that must be paid.

When Child Support Ends

Understanding when child support obligations terminate helps parents plan financially and avoid confusion about ongoing responsibilities.

Standard Termination

Child support in Ohio typically ends when:

• The child turns 18 AND has graduated from high school (whichever occurs later)
• The child gets married
• The child is legally emancipated by the court
• The child enlists in the U.S. Armed Forces on active duty
•  The child becomes self-supporting and no longer lives with either parent

Special Circumstances for Continued Support

Child support may continue beyond age 18 in certain situations:

• Disability

If a child has mental or physical disabilities that prevent them from being self-supporting, child support may continue indefinitely, even into adulthood.

• Post-Secondary Education

Ohio law doesn't automatically require parents to pay for college. However, if parents agree during divorce or custody proceedings to share college expenses, this agreement can be incorporated into court orders. Courts generally won't order college support unless parents specifically agree to it.

Notification Requirements

The custodial parent must notify the CSEA when circumstances occur that should terminate support. The noncustodial parent may also notify the agency. However, support obligations continue until officially terminated by the court or CSEA, they don't automatically stop when a child turns 18.

Applying for Child Support Services

Any parent can request child support services, regardless of income or custody arrangement. Child support is automatically addressed as part of divorce proceedings. Include your request for support in your divorce complaint or response.

For Paternity or Custody-Only Cases

Complete an Application for Child Support Services (form JFS 07076) and submit it to your local Child Support Enforcement Agency.

For Public Assistance Recipients

If you receive public assistance like Medicaid or Ohio Works First, you're typically required to cooperate with the CSEA in establishing paternity and support as a condition of receiving benefits.

What to Bring

When meeting with the CSEA, prepare documentation including:

• Photo identification
• Birth certificates for all children
• Social Security numbers for yourself and the other parent
• Information about the other parent (address, employer, income)
• Proof of your income (pay stubs, tax returns)
• Documentation of health insurance and childcare costs
• Copy of any existing custody or parenting orders

Important Rights and Responsibilities

Both parents have specific rights and obligations within Ohio's child support system.

Rights of the Custodial Parent

• Receive timely support payments as ordered
• Request enforcement when payments are missed
• Seek modification when circumstances change significantly
• Access information about payments and arrears
• Apply for state tax offset when owed substantial arrears

Rights of the Noncustodial Parent

• Request review and modification of support orders
• Receive credit for payments made
• Challenge imputed income determinations
• Object to administrative orders within 30 days
• Ensure payments are properly applied to obligations

Both Parents Must

• Report address changes to the CSEA in writing
• Notify the CSEA of an employment change
• Provide current income information when requested
• Maintain health insurance for children when ordered
• Notify the agency when circumstances change
• Keep the CSEA informed of health insurance changes

Failure to meet these notification requirements can result in enforcement actions, sanctions, or unfavorable court decisions.

Resources and Support

Ohio provides numerous resources to help parents navigate the child support system.

County Child Support Enforcement Agencies

Each Ohio county operates a CSEA office providing:

• Case establishment and management
• Payment processing and distribution
• Modification assistance
• Enforcement services
• Parent location services

Contact information for your local CSEA is available at jfs.ohio.gov/ocs/locator.

Ohio Child Support Customer Service Portal

Parents can register for online access to:

• View payment history and current balance
• Update personal information
• Submit inquiries to caseworkers
• Access case documents
• Enroll in direct deposit

Payment Options

Ohio Child Support Payment Central (CSPC):  All payments must be processed through CSPC at:

• Online: oh.smartchildsupport.com
• By phone: 1-833-261-5737
• By mail: Ohio CSPC, Columbus, OH 43218-2372

Parents can receive payments through:

• Direct deposit to a bank account
• smiONE Visa Debit Card
• Paper check by mail

Moving Forward with Confidence

Child support exists to protect children's interests and ensure both parents contribute financially to their upbringing. The system provides structure, fairness, and enforcement mechanisms to accomplish this important goal.

If you're navigating the child support system, remember that resources are available to help. The CSEA provides services at no cost, and legal assistance may be available for those who qualify. Don't hesitate to seek help when you need clarification or face challenges with your case.

By understanding how child support works in Ohio, from calculation methods and the CSEA's role to modification procedures and enforcement tools, you can focus on what matters most: ensuring your children have the financial resources they need to thrive.

Whether you're paying child support, receiving payments, or working to establish an initial order, being informed about the process helps you fulfill your responsibilities, protect your rights, and advocate effectively for your children's well-being.