Child Support Litigation in Toledo, Ohio

In traditional arrangements, the custodial parent (the parent with whom the child primarily lives) typically receives child support from the noncustodial parent. However, in shared parenting situations, support calculations can become more complex. It’s important to note that shared parenting does not automatically eliminate or equalize child support—one parent may still be required to pay support, depending on the circumstances.

A family lawyer helps clients understand how different custody arrangements might affect support obligations, ensuring that both parents contribute fairly to their child’s needs while respecting each parent’s financial circumstances.

In Ohio, the standard child support guidelines are used in both sole and shared parenting arrangements. However, the court may consider deviations from the guideline amount based on specific factors, such as:

• The amount of time the child spends with each parent (while not a direct input in the standard calculation, it may be considered for deviation)
• Which parent provides health insurance coverage
• Who pays for extracurricular activities, clothing, and education expenses
• The income disparity between parents

Even in shared parenting situations, one parent may still be required to pay child support to the other to help ensure the child’s standard of living remains consistent between households. Ultimately, any deviation from the standard calculation is at the court’s discretion and must be supported by the facts of the case.

Life circumstances change, and child support orders may need to be modified accordingly. Ohio law allows for modification when there has been a substantial, material, and ongoing change in circumstances that was not contemplated at the time the original order was issued.
Common reasons for modification include:

• Significant changes in either parent’s income due to job loss, promotion, or career change
• Changes in the child’s needs, such as developing medical conditions or new educational requirements
• Changes in the cost of health insurance or childcare
• Substantial changes in the parenting time schedule that affect the support calculation
• A parent’s incarceration or disability that involuntarily affects their ability to work

In Ohio, child support orders can be reviewed administratively every 36 months. However, if you experience a substantial change before that timeframe, you may request a court review. Family lawyer can help you navigate this process and advocate for a fair adjustment to your support order.

When a parent fails to meet their child support obligations, several enforcement mechanisms are available under Ohio law, including:

• Wage garnishment (direct deduction from the paying parent’s paycheck)
• Tax refund interception (seizing federal and state tax refunds)
• License suspension (suspension of driver’s, professional, or recreational licenses)
• Asset seizure (placing liens on property or seizing assets)
• Contempt of court (legal proceedings that can result in fines or imprisonment for willful non-payment)

If you’re not receiving court-ordered support, Patricia Gaddy can help you pursue enforcement actions through the appropriate channels, whether that’s working with your county’s Child Support Enforcement Agency or filing a motion for contempt with the domestic relations court.