Child support is a court-ordered payment made by one parent to the other parent for the financial support of their child. In Ohio, child support is calculated using guidelines established by law. In this article, we explore the Ohio child support guidelines and how they are determined.
What are the Ohio Child Support Guidelines?
The Ohio Child Support Guidelines are a set of rules used by the Ohio courts to determine the amount of child support to be paid by one parent to the other. These guidelines consider various factors such as the income of the parents, the number of children, parenting time, and medical expenses.
Who Calculates Ohio Child Support?
Ohio child support is calculated by the Ohio Child Support Enforcement Agency (CSEA). The CSEA uses a standard formula to determine the amount of child support to be paid by the non-custodial parent.
How is Ohio Child Support Calculated?
Ohio child support is calculated by taking into account the gross income of both parents. Gross income includes all sources of income, such as salaries, tips, bonuses, commissions, and rental income. After determining the gross income, certain deductions are made, such as taxes and certain expenses related to work.
Once the net income of both parents has been calculated, the CSEA uses a schedule to determine the basic child support obligation. The schedule takes into account the number of children and the combined net income of the parents. For example, if the combined net income of the parents is $50,000 and they have one child, the basic child support obligation would be $7,644 per year.
In addition to the basic child support obligation, the CSEA considers other factors such as parenting time and medical expenses. If the parents have equal parenting time, the child support obligation may be reduced. The CSEA also considers medical expenses not covered by insurance, such as co-pays and deductibles, and may order the non-custodial parent to pay a portion of those expenses.
What are the Consequences of Failing to Pay Child Support in Ohio?
Failing to pay child support in Ohio can have serious consequences. The non-paying parent may face penalties such as having their driver’s license or professional license suspended, having their tax refund intercepted, and even being arrested and jailed.
Can Ohio Child Support Orders be Modified?
Ohio child support orders can be modified if there is a significant change in circumstances, such as a change in income, a change in parenting time, or a change in medical expenses. Either parent can request a modification by filing a motion with the court.
Conclusion
Child support is an important aspect of raising a child. The Ohio Child Support Guidelines are designed to ensure that children receive the financial support they need and deserve. If you are going through a divorce or separation, it is important to understand how child support is calculated in Ohio and to work with an experienced family law attorney to ensure that your child’s needs are being met.