Columbus Child Support Attorneys For Ohio Families
When parents divorce or separate, determining child support responsibilities and payment terms can get contentious. No matter which parent is the child’s legal custodian, both parties have a legal obligation to provide financial support. Identifying fair terms is often difficult. Child support can also be a topic of concern long after the divorce has been finalized.
Whether you are establishing child support for the first time, modifying an existing child support order or need help enforcing a child support order, our Columbus child support lawyers at Baker & Wick LLC can help. With more than 40 years of combined experience, our child support attorneys provide guidance and advice with compassion and skill. Our goal is to simplify the process so you can move forward with confidence.
Calculating Ohio Child Support Payments
Child support is calculated using the Ohio Child Support Guidelines. There are several factors to consider when determining child support. Some of these factors include:
- The income of both parents
- Which parent has custody of the child
- The number of dependents of each parent
- The cost of health care insurance coverage for the children
- Work-related day care costs for the children
After assessing these factors, the Ohio Child Support Worksheet specifies a presumed amount of support. However, a child’s parents can agree to deviate from the presumed amount. If the parents cannot reach an agreement, they may need the court to intervene. Often, we can negotiate a resolution to child support concerns in mediation.
Assessing Additional Expenses
In addition, courts can order the parties to divide any uncovered medical expenses, extracurricular activities and school fees. The court will determine an equitable division of these expenses based on the parents’ incomes, any child support paid and the particular circumstances of your case. Child care can be included in the child support payment or it can be considered on its own. For example, parents can divide child care by each paying a percentage of the costs.
The Duration Of Child Support
In most cases, child support orders are effective until the child turns 18, or until the child graduates from high school, whichever occurs last. In certain situations, child support can continue longer. However, after a child reaches age 19, child support can only continue if:
- The child is mentally or physically disabled and is incapable of supporting or maintaining himself or herself
- The parents have agreed to continue support beyond the child’s 18th birthday pursuant to an agreed court order
Whether you are negotiating child support in your divorce or establishing responsibilities in another family law case like a paternity action, our child support attorneys can protect your rights and advocate for the best interests of you and your child. Our experienced lawyers can also help if you are struggling to enforce an existing court order for child support.
Modifying Child Support Orders
Ohio child support laws recognize that needs and circumstances can change after your divorce has been finalized. In some cases, child support orders can be modified. These circumstances include:
- Whenever the parents agree
- If there has been a substantial change in either parents’ financial circumstances
- The child’s financial needs change, for example, an increase in child care costs or medical expenses
- When custody or parenting time agreements are modified
To begin the modification process, either parent must file a motion to modify child support with the court. A parent’s County Child Support Enforcement Agency may also be able to conduct a review hearing for a parent to determine whether a modification is warranted.
At Baker & Wick LLC, we understand how overwhelming it can be to try to negotiate, modify or enforce child support terms on your own. Our experienced child support attorneys provide compassionate support and will advocate on your behalf.
Get Advice From A Columbus Child Support Attorney
You don’t have to struggle with child support issues alone. To schedule an appointment with our experienced child support lawyers, you can send us a message through our website. You can also call our offices at 614-697-2627. Our office is conveniently located in Columbus.