Child Custody in Ohio: How the Court Determines Payment Amounts

The determination of payment amounts in regards to child custody in Ohio come from a variety of sources. Individuals may agree to support amounts together and a court will later approve this amount, if it is deemed appropriate. However, in many cases, parents cannot agree and must head to court to find out what support amounts the parents are responsible for in the situation. In Ohio, this is done through the Department of Family Services, usually at the county level.

Factors Affecting Child Custody in Ohio

In the state of Ohio, the non custodial parent is likely to pay child support. The amount of that child support is dependent on numerous factors, including where the child lives and the type of living arrangements in place. The following are some of the specific considerations taken in Ohio by the judge to determine how much child support is needed.

The gross monthly income of the noncustodial parent
The amount of money contributed to the care and well being of the family prior to the custodial agreement
The amount of alimony, if paid, to the spouse
The income of the custodial parent
The cost of group health insurance, daycare or other costs paid by the custodial parent
The costs associated with caring for the child, including any costs for special care the child may need

Each situation is unique. In most situations, the judge considers the need for both parents to contribute to the child’s well being and care. However, the judge is likely to award based on a percentage of the noncustodial parent’s income as well. All of these factors are taken into consideration so that the judge can see the need for the support and who can pay for it.

In many situations, the amount awarded in a case may be based on the amount of contribution by the family as a whole, in situations of divorce. If one parent provided substantially more to the financial care of the family during the marriage, this parent may need to pay more after the divorce. However, child custody in Ohio is dependent on each case’s particular facts and concerns.

When to Hire an Attorney

Hiring an Ohio attorney is a critical step in getting the most support for your child. It is always best to work with an attorney to determine the need for such support as well as to determine the amount of support necessary. Each case is unique and an attorney can help you to learn what to expect.

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