How is child support determined in an Ohio divorce?

Ohio uses the income shares model and considers several other factors when calculating child support in a divorce case.

When parents make the decision to file for divorce, they continue to have an emotional and financial responsibility to their children. Kids, as well as parents, are often forced to transition to a different way of life during and after a divorce takes place. In some cases, children may have to undergo a significant financial adjustment when their parents separate. Child support is designed to minimize the changes in life that children may have to go through as a result of divorce. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, Ohio follows the income shares model of calculating child support. This rule abides by the belief that kids are entitled to the same quality of life that they would have had if their parents had remained married.

Calculating the child support amount

While the non-custodial parent may be ordered to pay child support, the gross income of both parents is used to calculate the monthly child support amount. Not only does the gross income include each parent's wages, it also accounts for any overtime, commission or bonuses that were earned as well. Parents who are ordered to pay child support and/or alimony in a previous case may have these amounts factored into the final child support payment.

Other factors to consider

There are several other factors that the court may consider when determining how much child support should be ordered. These factors include, but are not limited to the following:

• Whether one parent is providing medical insurance or health care coverage for the child
• How much time the child spends with each parent as per the parenting schedule and custody arrangement
• If a parent is incarcerated or otherwise unable to make the child support payments

In some cases, children may have special needs that require additional medical and/or educational support. The judge may take this into consideration as well.

Terminating child support

Parents are able to apply for child support termination if and when the child gets married, dies, is deported or enlists in the armed services. If the child drops out of high school, the parent paying child support may be able to have their orders modified or terminated, depending on the circumstances surrounding the case.

Looking out for the best interest of the child

Most parents want to do what is best for their children during divorce proceedings. By speaking to a family attorney in Ohio, you may be able to help minimize the emotional and financial trauma that your child goes through before, during and after the divorce process.