This is the first post in a series of articles discussing child support modifications in Dayton, Ohio. Once a child support obligation has been established, in most cases, the obligation to pay child support lasts until the child reaches the age of 18, or, as long as the child is attending high school on a full-time basis, the obligation may last until the child reaches the age of 19. Over time it may become necessary for a parent to seek an adjustment of the payment amount. There are a variety of circumstances under which parents may request a modification of an existing child support arrangement. A parent seeking a child support modification may not know how to proceed, therefore, the objective of this series is to provide information about when and how Dayton parents may seek a child support modification. If you need assistance with a child support matter, please contact our office to speak with a Dayton attorney.
This series will review several important topics, including:
- Circumstances which justify child support modifications
- How Ohio calculates child support
- The process of requesting a child support modification
- How underemployment may impact child support
It is important for parents facing sudden changes in their income or other difficult financial circumstances to understand the way those circumstances may affect their child support obligation. One’s child support obligation is based on multiple factors, including but not limited to, income, the amount of health insurance or childcare paid for by a parent, and the number of overnight visits each parent has with the child. Ohio publishes the guidelines used to determine the amount of one’s child support obligation based on these factors. Depending on the circumstances, when the parties agree, Ohio may allow the parties to deviate from the amount mandated by the child support guidelines. In addition, reviewing an existing support order may be challenging depending on the circumstances. We will review the process and explain what is required to accomplish your requested modification. In addition, if a parent becomes underemployed it may skew the child support calculation. When this occurs, it is possible for the Court to base the guidelines on income more accurately reflecting one’s potential income, instead of the income that person is currently making. Child support modifications can become complicated, particularly when emotions are involved. An experienced attorney can assist you with the process.
Contact our office today to speak with a Dayton family lawyer. We also serve the areas of Beavercreek, Centerville, Clayton, Eaton, Englewood, Fairborn, Franklin, Harrison Township, Huber Heights, Kettering, Oakwood, Lebanon, Miami Township, Miamisburg, Piqua, Riverside, Springboro, Springfield, Tipp City, Trotwood, Troy, Vandalia, Waynesville, Washington Township, West Carrollton, Yellow Springs, and Xenia.
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