Columbus Child Support Lawyer
Secure Your Child's Financial Future in Ohio
Ending a relationship can bring with it various issues that will have a major impact on your life as well as the lives of your children. One of the most important issues that attends such an event is the matter of child support.
Under Ohio law, all parents are responsible for financially supporting the children they have:
- Whether the parents are married or not
- Whether they are unemployed or have lucrative careers
- Or whether they are self-employed
The state establishes child support based on statutory guidelines established under Ohio Revised Code which must be followed. In dealing with child support, whether you are seeking it, seeking to enforce or modify an already standing order, or contesting it, you should seek competent legal representation.
This is true for all parents but especially for those with an affluent income, those who are self-employed, and for those who share parenting on close to an equal basis. At Boller & Petty, LLC, our firm has extensive experience in helping parents deal with this matter.
Talk to a Columbus child support attorney about your case. Call (614) 756-2827 to set up a consultation or contact us online.
Understanding Child Support Calculations in Ohio
Child support is a financial obligation that ensures children receive the necessary resources for their upbringing, including food, clothing, education, and healthcare.
Child support guidelines under Ohio law have been established based on the combined incomes of parents who earn up to $300,000 annually or less.
Calculation of child support is generally based on the following factors:
- The combined incomes of the parents
- Work-related childcare or daycare expenses
- Health insurance premiums and education expenses for the child
- Taxes
- Alimony/spousal support from a previous relationship being supplied or received
- Child support being supplied for children from a previous relationship
- How many children require support from the current relationship
- The needs of the children
- A parent’s ability to pay
In cases where a child has special needs, additional support may be sought and awarded by the court. In general, courts have the discretion to adjust support payments up or down based on the individual needs of the child and the financial circumstances of the parents.
These would be cases where strictly following the state’s formula would not be considered appropriate, equitable, or in a child’s best interests. For those parents who earn in excess of $300,000 annually, the issue can become more complex and will likely need to be resolved in court. It is highly recommended that you seek legal assistance in such cases.
