Ohio Child Support Calculator

How is Child Support Calculated in Ohio?

Think of it like bringing a dish to a family potluck for your kids. Ohio looks at what you and the other parent earn together to decide how much the 'meal' for your children should cost. Your child support payment is simply your share of that cost, based on your portion of the combined income.

Understanding Ohio's Shared Custody Rules

In Ohio, having a shared parenting plan does not automatically eliminate child support. If you have the children for at least 147 overnights per year, the law provides for a standard 10% reduction in your support amount. The court may also consider a further deviation from the guidelines based on the specifics of your shared parenting arrangement.

Ohio Child Support FAQs

At what age does child support end in OH?

In Ohio, the obligation to pay child support typically ends when a child turns 18. However, if the child is still attending an accredited high school on a full-time basis, support will continue until they graduate or turn 19, whichever occurs first.

How is child support calculated if one parent is unemployed in OH?

If a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, a court can 'impute' income, calculating support based on what they could or should be earning. If unemployment is involuntary, support is typically calculated using actual income, such as unemployment benefits, or a minimum wage assumption if there is no income.

How do I modify a child support order in OH?

You can request a review and modification if there has been a 'substantial change in circumstances.' In Ohio, this is generally defined as a change that would cause the calculated child support amount to change by at least 10% from the current order.

Does OH child support cover college expenses?

No, Ohio courts cannot order a parent to pay for college tuition or expenses. However, parents can voluntarily agree to include provisions for college costs in their separation agreement, which then makes it an enforceable part of the court order.

How does OH handle health insurance and childcare costs?

The costs for the children's health insurance premiums and necessary work-related childcare are added to the basic child support obligation. These extra expenses are then divided between the parents in proportion to their respective shares of the combined income.