Columbus Ohio Child Support Attorneys
When two people, whether they are separated, unmarried, divorced, or in the process of a divorce, have a child together, than a financial contribution should be considered in relation to the child’s needs and upbringing.
Which Parent Pays the Child Support?
In Ohio, the parent that pays the support (called the Obligor), will be ordered to pay the custodial parent (called the Obligee) via a monthly payment, but not directly. The payment will actually be made to the appropriate enforcement agency, then passed on to the custodial parent. If parents share custody then child support may still be awarded, and a parent may still be required to pay child support.
It’s advisable to hire a child support attorney to help ensure that the obligor is not hiding any financial assets, thus not having to pay as much in child support.
Gender is not a determining factor, as far as financial considerations go.
How Long Will I Have to Pay Child Support?
You will no longer be obligated to pay child support once the child graduates from high school, or when the child turns 18, whichever is the latter. Regardless, when a child turns 19 there will be no obligation to pay child support, in most cases.
In the state of Ohio, if a child’s parents are not married (at the time the child is born), then paternity will need to be established before a monetary support payment can be applied.
Child Support Law - Healthcare
Healthcare for a child is generally determined by which spouse or partner has the best health plan in relation to children, but this can vary. Make sure you have a good child support attorney who can help you navigate this most important aspect of child support law. If no such health plan is available via either parent, then what is known as ‘cash medical support’ may be adhered to. This can simply be an additional payment added to child support specifically for the healthcare needs of the child.
Child Support and College Tuition
In most cases a child doesn’t start college until they have reached the age of 18 or have graduated high school, so college tuition is generally not part of a child support agreement. However, you may want to have your attorney deal with this issue either during a divorce proceeding or other marriage separation, annulment or dissolution agreement.
Ohio Child Support FAQ
If I’m unable to pay child support, will I never see my children?
Parenting time cannot be terminated if you’re unable to pay child support.
Visitation and joint custody are separate issues from child support, and comes under Ohio law as part of child custody laws, not child support.
Can any monetary amount for child support be attained, if both parents agree?
If both parents agree to a financial amount, without using the usual calculating methods and guidelines, then a judge will still have to agree to it, but it’s possible.
Does the court look at my paycheck for my income amount?
It’s not just a paycheck, but all income.
Once my child turns 19, then I won’t have to pay child support any longer, correct?
This is true in most cases. However, if a child has certain difficulties that keeps them from being self-sufficient, then a child support payment may still be enforced after the age of 19. This can include children who become adults but have a physical disability or mental difficulties.
What if I lose my job, will I still have to make child support payments?
Yes. Your obligation still continues even if your job situation has changed. Your attorney can help with modifying a child support agreement if needed.