Columbus and Delaware, Ohio Child Support Attorney
If you want to modify a child support order or are defending against a child support order in Columbus or Delaware, Ohio, contact Johnson Legal, LLC and speak with an experienced Columbus and Delaware, Ohio child support attorney. Attorney David Johnson of Johnson Legal, LLC will discuss your case and assist you in modifying or defending against a child support order. Call Johnson Legal, LLC at (614) 987-0192 or send an email to schedule a consultation regarding your child support matter.
Child Support in Ohio
When parents legally separate, divorce or dissolve their marriage in Ohio, child support often becomes a significant issue. While child support can be mutually agreed upon by some parents, it is most often a contentious issue.
How is Child Support Calculated in Ohio?
Courts in Ohio calculate a child support order based on a formula that takes into account numerous factors. These factors include:
- The number of children the parties have
- Gross monthly income of both parents
- Amount of child support paid for other children
- Estimated cost of daycare and health insurance
- Needs of the children
- Taxes
How to Know if My Child Support Agreement is Fair
Child support is calculated based on specific statutory guidelines in Ohio. While you and your former spouse may agree on a child support figure, the court may rule that your child support agreement does not properly provide for the needs of your child(ren). In this case, your child support agreement will be denied by the court.
In 2008, the Ohio Supreme Court issued a ruling in Byrd v. Knuckles that a court may, but is not required to, accept an agreement of the parents to terminate a child support obligation. This ruling can have devastating consequences for stepparents in Ohio. If a custodial parent wishes to terminate his or her parental rights through stepparent adoption, it still does not relieve the parent from paying child support.
Child Support Deviation
Even though child support is calculated according to specific statutory guidelines, courts in Ohio are permitted to change the guideline amount (known as a “deviation”), depending upon the circumstances. The circumstances may include:
- Extended parenting time
- Extraordinary costs related to the exercise of parenting time (for example, travel costs)
- Disparity between the income of the parties
- Responsibility of the parents to support others
- Special or unusual needs of your child(ren)
- Standard of living the child would have enjoyed if the parents were together
The court can grant a deviation that either increases or decreases the child support order. However, persuading the judge or other parent that a deviation is in the best interest of the child requires experienced and dependable advice.
Child Support Modifications
Ohio law mandates that the Child Support Enforcement Agency review your child support order every three years. This review can result in a modification of your current child support order. You will have a limited time to object to the modified child support order and request a hearing in court.
In addition to the Child Support Enforcement Agency modifying a child support order, you can also request that the court modifying the existing child support order. To do this, you will be required to prove that there has been a 10% change in the current child support order or that there has been a substantial change in circumstances unknown at the time of the previous child support order.
Child Support Attorney – Columbus and Delaware, Ohio
If you want to modify a child support order or are defending against a child support order in Columbus or Delaware, Ohio, contact Johnson Legal, LLC and speak with an experienced Columbus and Delaware, Ohio child support attorney. Attorney David Johnson of Johnson Legal, LLC will discuss your case and assist you in modifying or defending against a child support order. Call Johnson Legal, LLC at (614) 987-0192 or send an email to schedule a consultation regarding your child support matter.