Q: I no longer want my child, but my spouse does. If I abandon the household, but pay my spouse, will I be charged?
My spouse wants the child, works full time and I did not sign up to be a full-time caretaker after an unwanted pregnancy. If I abandoned the household and moved, possibly to another state, but paid my spouse a significant chunk of money every month to support the child will I go to jail for child abandonment? And if it leads to separation or divorce, will I be able to easily give away full custody to the other parent?
A: If you leave your child in the care of your spouse you will not be criminally charged. Your spouse may seek and likely get an order compelling you to pay child support. Ohio is a no-fault divorce state so the two of you may terminate your marriage for any reason, including incompatibility. Your obligation to support your child continues until the child is 18 and out of high school. It may continue longer if the child is disabled.
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