Child Support is payment from one spouse to another for support of the children after a divorce or separation. Normally, child support stops when a child turns 18 years of age, unless the child is still a full-time student. If the child is a full-time student, the child support can continue until the child turns 21 years old. Child support cannot be discharged in bankruptcy and is not considered as income by the receiving parent or as a tax deduction by the paying parent.

In Ohio, the formula for determining child support payment levels takes into consideration:

• Custody arrangements

• How much parenting time each parent has, the income of the parents

• The total number of children

• Unusual medical expenses, day care expenses, and insurance, among other factors.

The result of the computation is called the "basic" support amount, which can be adjusted by the court based on several unusual items. Many states have child support enforcement divisions, which can help get child support by bringing actions in court to get child support orders, locating deadbeat parents and getting their income and employment information.

When Does Child Support End?

In general, child support obligations will terminate once the child reach the age of 18, unless the child is in college (in which case the parent is still obligated), or if the child has been declared emancipated by a court. Child support obligations will also terminate if a parent’s rights and responsibilities are terminated, because, for instance, the child is adopted by someone else.

Who has to pay Child Support?

Generally, child support is paid by the non-custodial parent, as the custodial parent’s obligations and responsibilities are fulfilled by having custody. This doesn’t necessarily mean that a mother would not have to pay child support to a father who has custody – the mother has the same duty as the father would if he didn’t have sole custody. Moreover, an unmarried father – who is acknowledged as the biological father – will also be responsible for paying child support.

Every child has the right to be supported by both parents. Parents cannot usually contract away child support. The courts look to the "best interest of the child standard".

An experienced child support attorney always strives to ensure the legal process goes without major complications.

At The Davis Law Office, LLC, we vigorously represent the rights of individuals in Child Support disputes or other family law issues.

Contact Mark A. Davis at (419) 297-5088 to schedule a confidential consultation regarding your Child Support legal issues.