Columbus Child Support Lawyer

In Ohio, parents who are separated are both obligated to financially provide for their children. To do so, they can either negotiate an amicable child support arrangement on their own or, if they can’t agree, they can let the state issue a decision through a court or the Child Support Enforcement Agency (CSEA).

The state bases its decisions on what’s called the “income shares model.” Under this model, both parents’ combined income is used to calculate a child’s total expenses, and each is assigned a “share” of responsibility to meet those expenses. 

Ohio has a public Child Support Calculator that people can use to get an idea of their support obligation; however, this calculator is best used as a reference because the state can (and typically does) deviate from it depending on the circumstances of each family. 

At Chris Smith Law, we can help you evaluate your situation and get a better understanding of your financial responsibility. Whether it’s settled in or out of court, we can also work with you to pursue a child support arrangement that protects your financial well-being and that of your child. 

If you’re facing a child support dispute, give us a call at (614) 412-4442 to speak with our child support attorney in Columbus, OH.

How Do Ohio Courts Calculate Child Support? 

Before calculating child support, parents must have already agreed on custody or settled it in court. Custody can impact the terms of a child support arrangement, especially who is responsible for paying support, the “Obligor,” and who receives it, the “Obligee.” Usually, the parent with more custody time is the Obligee. Although both parties share financial responsibility for meeting the child’s expenses, the state assumes the Obligee pays their share when paying the child’s living costs. 

When custodial arrangements are equal, such as when each parent cares for the same number of mutual children, the party with the higher income is usually the Obligor. This arrangement makes it more likely for the children to have an equal standard of living. 

Factors that the court may use to determine child support payments include:

• The parents’ combined income (salaries, wages, tips, severance, commission, self-generated income, social security benefits, etc.)
• Child custody arrangements
• The number of children each parent provides for
• The cost of health insurance and who provides it
• The cost of education
• General childcare expenses

Establishing Paternity for Child Support Purposes 

If parents were never married, the father’s paternity must be proven before they can be held financially responsible for paying child support. When both parties agree on paternity, they can file an acknowledgment of paternity through the court or CSEA. If they don’t agree, either party can petition the court to demand genetic testing. Establishing paternity can also make the father eligible for other parental rights and responsibilities. 

Resolving Child Support Disputes in Franklin County and Surrounding Areas

Whatever your child support issue, Chris Smith Law is here for you. Attorney Chris Smith has been practicing in Ohio for over 15 years and has helped countless families resolve their child support disputes by finding solutions that work for everyone involved. We provide our services to families in Franklin County, Delaware County, Montgomery County, and Licking County. 

Schedule a free consultation with our Columbus child support lawyer by calling (614) 412-4442 or messaging us with your availability.