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Ohio Child Support Modification

Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last updated May 18, 2018

Every child in Ohio is entitled to financial support from both parents. An order of child support from the court helps to accomplish this objective. Child support payments are determined by a statutory formula that uses the parents' income as the determining factor at arriving at the correct child support obligation.

If either parent wants to change the child support order in Ohio, they can either request an administrative review from the county Child Support Enforcement Agency (CSEA) or they can go to court for the modification. The modification is reviewed in accordance with the parents' current financial situation. If either parent seeks a court modification or either parent has filed a court action that might affect the CESA review, the CESA isn't required to review or adjust a child support order.

Ohio Child Support Modification at a Glance

Although it's crucial to comprehend the complete text of a statute, it's also helpful to have a common language version as well. Refer to the chart below for a synopsis of the law related to child support modification in Ohio.

Statutes

Review Time Frame
  • Parents can't request a modification anytime that they want; child support orders can be reviewed every 36 months from the date the order was established or from the date of the last review.
  • The CESA must evaluate your case to see if it's eligible for review. If the case is eligible, the CESA will contact both parties within 15 days of the request.
  • Both parties must submit information within 45 days or earlier if the specific circumstances apply.
  • The modification can take up to several months before finalization.

Specific Circumstances for an Early Review

There are numerous reasons that enable a parent to request a modification before the 36 months has elapsed.

  • Lay off from work (30 days or longer) or unemployment
  • A major change in income (increase or decrease)
  • An increase or decrease in the cost of health insurance or child care
  • Active military duty
  • A permanent disability
  • Incarceration or institutionalization with no income or assets available to support the child

Modification Outcomes

Possible outcomes of a modification request:

  • An increase in current child support obligation
  • A decrease in current child support obligation
  • No change

If a party doesn't agree with the finding, they can request a hearing.

Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.

Ohio Child Support Modification: Related Resources

Connect with an Ohio Attorney about Child Support Modification

Ohio's child support modification process is meant to make the child support payment compatible with the financial situation of the parents. If you think that your existing child support order should be updated so that your child can fully benefit from support, then connect with a local child support attorney today.

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