Calculating Child Support In Ohio
In any case in Ohio that involves a minor child, the court is required to address the issue of child support. The person who pays child support is the Obligor and the person who receives child support is the Obligee.
Child Support Guideline Worksheet
The amount of child support ordered is not an arbitrary number. It is not based on the needs of the Obligor or the ability to pay of the Obligee. Instead, child support is calculated by using the Ohio Child Support Guideline Worksheet. This worksheet takes into account a number of factors to determine the proper amount of child support. These factors include:
- Income (including overtime and bonuses) of each parent
- The time spent with each parent
- Number of minor children
- Other children living with the parent who are not a child of the parties
- Child care costs
- Health care costs
The Court will almost always use the guideline worksheet to determine the amount of child support. If one parent wants to deviate, or pay less than, the guideline amount, both parents must agree. The Court may make an exception if the obligor spends a great deal of time with the minor children. (More than just every other weekend).
Franklin County Child Support Enforcement Agency
In Columbus, child support is collected, accounted for, and dispersed by the Franklin County Child Support Enforcement Agency (FCCSEA). Child support must be paid by the obligor to the FCCSEA through a wage withholding order. That means the support is deducted from the pay check of the obligor and sent directly to the agency. The agency will then account for it and send it to the Obligee. The Obligee will have the support payment either directly deposited into a bank account or will receive a debit MasterCard.
If the Obligor does not pay the required child support, the agency been vested with a number of powers to help them collect past due support. They can offset an income tax refund, suspend a driver’s license, suspend a professional license, file a contempt of court, or increase the support payment by up to 20% to make up the arrearages. Ultimately, nonpayment of child support could be a felony offence.
Payment Of Child Support
The Obligor is required under Ohio law to pay support until the minor child is 18 years old or so long as the child continuously attends an accredited high school. The duty to pay child support will only terminate if:
- The child is emancipated
- The child dies
- The child marries
- The child enlists or is deported
Contact Robert Caplan, An Experienced Columbus Child Support Lawyer
Attorney Robert L. Caplan can help you to evaluate your unique circumstances, and work within Ohio guidelines to determine the best strategy for you. Contact him today, or call (614) 252-2026 to schedule a free consultation, and begin to work together to bring an end to the pressure, and hope for your future.