14th Mar 2014

This is the number one question that almost all of our clients ask when involved in a dissolution of marriage. Child support in Ohio is controlled by Ohio Revised Code Section 3119.  It does not matter if you live in Cincinnati or Hamilton, Clermont or Warren Counties the child support order that you are required to pay or receive is calculated in the same manner.  There are two types of child support worksheets in Ohio.  One worksheet is for sole custody/shared parenting and the second worksheet is for a split custody situation.  This worksheet would apply where there is more than one child and the children will be staying primarily with different parents.

Two of the biggest misconceptions about child support are: how is income calculated and what expenses are included.  In calculating support it is the parties’ gross income, not what an individual takes home after taxes that is included on the worksheet.  Income also includes overtime, a 2nd job or income received from investments.  The bills that are considered are daycare expenses and healthcare for the children. It does not include any of the following:  rent, mortgage, car payment, insurance, food, etc.

Under Client Resources on AndreIceLaw.com, we have provided a child support calculator so you can get an estimate of the amount of support that should be paid or receive. The worksheet is divided into two main sections.  The first section is income; the second section is adjustments to income.

Although child support is determined via worksheet calculations, the court can still make a deviation in the amount ordered (line 27a and b). There are numerous reason for a Court to deviate child support, such as extraordinary medical needs of the child, extracurricular activities, schooling, incomes of other members of the household or of the child.  These deviation factors can either increase or decrease the amount of support paid.  In addition to deviation, extending the maximum amount of support may also be ordered.  The typical case caps child support at a combined income of $150,000.00.  In certain cases there may be reasons that this number should be increased.

If you are terminating your marriage and have children and need professional advice and counsel please call Andrew Ice at 513.651.4227513.651.4227– a leading divorce attorney in Cincinnati, Hamilton, Clermont and Warren County.  We will take the time to do a preliminary worksheet with you, go over all of the factors that can affect the support you pay or receive. www.andrewicelaw.com

This article is informative purposes only and should not be considered for any other reason.

 

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