Child Support
Child support in Ohio is based on a statutory formula. The state formula calculates what each parent is expected to contribute toward the children’s expenses. Then, based on which parent is the residential parent, the calculation specifies which parent is to receive support and how much. In determining the amount of child support, the court will consider, among other items:
- The incomes of both parents
- Other court ordered payments
- Health insurance costs
- Day care costs
- Expenses arising from specialized needs of the child
- Custody
Parties may deviate from the child support amount if they are in agreement or there is a court order, and it is in the children’s best interest to do so. The court does typically review the calculation when there is a deviation to determine if it actually is in the best interest of the children.
Child support continues until the child is 18 and graduated from high school. There is an exception if a child is handicapped. In addition, there are also specific rules limiting the length of support if a child is over 19 and still in high school.
The court has ongoing jurisdiction to modify a child support order. It is understood that incomes and child costs change over time. Depending on the parties’ incomes and other child related expenses, child support can be modified through an action with the support agency or the court.
Loretta Marie Helfrich has a thorough understanding of child support laws. She understands how the court decides these cases and knows how to get the best possible arrangement for her client.
LMH Law Office, LLC. represents families in the Cincinnati, Ohio, metropolitan area, including Cincinnati, Mason, Batavia, Milford, Westchester, and other communities in Clermont County, Hamilton County, Butler County, and Warren County.