Columbus Child Support Attorneys

How is Child Support Calculated in Ohio?

Each state has set laws and guidelines for child support payments to provide for children. Support payments depend on the circumstances of the parents. In the state of Ohio, there is a formula, and all of these facts and figures are entered into the formula which ultimately produces a number. That number is then applied to a chart, and you pay a percentage of the number on the chart based on your percentage of the combined gross household income. Determining the right amount for child support payments can be complex.

Child support guidelines consider:

• The custody arrangement
• Parenting time and visitation
• The annual combined income of both parents up to $150,000
• Guidelines for higher income limits
• Creative child support options to preserve the well-being of the children

The formula to calculate child support:

• Your gross annual income
• The gross annual income of your spouse
• Local income tax paid
• Child support from other child not of this relationship and spousal support payments from a previous marriage
• Automatic tax deductions for each child ($3950 in 2014)
• Spousal support being paid from one party to the other
• Childcare costs for work or education purposes
• Health insurance costs

Once they calculate all of this, there is a chart that determines how much it costs to raise each child. Then it is determined how much each parent is responsible for. For example, if one parent makes $80,000 and the other parent makes $20,000, then the first parent will be responsible for paying 80% of the number on the chart.

Contact our family law firm today at (614) 289-1227 to arrange a confidential consultation.

The Cap for Child Support

The formula only applies to households whose combined annual gross annual income is less than $150,000. After that, it gets a little fuzzy. Courts offer extended guidelines to fit household incomes of over $150,000, but there are alternatives.

Working with an experienced and knowledgeable attorney is essential to ensuring that child support awarded is appropriate for serving the best interests of the child. Our child support lawyers in Columbus help clients develop and implement plans that work for the immediate needs of the child, as well as considering the future needs of the child.

How Long Does Child Support Last in Ohio?

Child support is money that is paid from one parent to the other for the care and support of the children. While support is commonly awarded following a divorce, parents have a legal obligation to support the child, even if they weren't ever married. Often, parents develop a comprehensive plan to address the current and future needs of the children.

The common rule is that once the child turns 18, the obligation to pay support will end. However, there are circumstances in which that won't apply. For example, if your child is still in high school by their 18th birthday, or if the child has a physical or mental disability that prevents them from supporting themselves. Sometimes, the support order may continue into adulthood.

This may include the creation of trusts, college funds, structured support plans, and agreements that include provisions for housing and care. We can evaluate your situation, listen to your concerns, and help you develop a sound legal strategy to protect the best interest and financial security of your children. The Columbus child support attorneys at Law Offices of William L. Geary can advise you about how Ohio’s guidelines may apply to your situation.

Please contact us today at (614) 289-1227 to discuss your situation.