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Ohio Child Support Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support and Family Law for Ohio on
Q: What to do if my sons dad is falsely claiming abuse/neglect to CPS in retaliation to recently filing child support?

Never married, no custody arrangement in place. I recently filed for child support and coincidentally he filed an abuse/neglect report with CPS. He releases him to me after he takes him every other weekend. He's repeatedly told me he wants me to move away with him and I'm not sure how to... View More

Nicholas P. Weiss
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answered on Jan 21, 2025

If you were never married and there is no custody order in place then you literally have all the power. Unmarried father's have no custodial rights in Ohio unless a court grants them parenting time. You would be within your rights to simply not give him any parenting time. In short, you... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support and Family Law for Ohio on
Q: Can i move states with my child without the fathers permission?

My childs father does not have sole custody and he does have to pay child support. There is no custody or visitation order through court but i do let him see his son on the weekends if hes not busy so its not a guaranteed every weekend. He is on the birth certificate so he is the established... View More

Todd B. Kotler
Todd B. Kotler
answered on Mar 30, 2024

If there truly is no custody order, parenting plan or visitation order on the record, and assuming you and father were never married, you may move. He has the right to file a motion to establish his rights however. You would be best served by investing in an attorney in the county in which you... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Adoption, Child Custody and Child Support for Ohio on
Q: In the state of Ohio can your friends parents kick your friend out when 18 and still in high school(current junior)?
Todd B. Kotler
Todd B. Kotler
answered on Feb 26, 2024

Tricky question. Technically a parent has an obligation to parent a child until they emancipate. That usually happens when the child is both 18 AND a high school graduate. This may be further complicated if a parent is receiving child support on behalf of that child. This question does not... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for Ohio on
Q: My ex girlfriend just gave birth to a baby that she says is mine, but there are actually questions around the paternity.

How do I go about getting a DNA test? She is obstructing and being difficult at every opportunity, vowing not to ever let me near the baby out of nothing more than spite. I can't afford to retain a lawyer.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 25, 2024

I would suggest taking a few steps to establish paternity:

1. Seek legal counsel. A family law attorney can advise you on your rights and the process for establishing paternity in your state. They can help you file a motion with the court to compel a DNA test if the mother is uncooperative....
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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support and Family Law for Ohio on
Q: My neighbor has a situation. She has her children living with her but her ex husband still has an order for child

Support that she needs to have changed in the court system. She can't afford a lawyer and I don't think our area legal aid handles these cases anymore. Any advice or help for her appreciated.

Todd B. Kotler
Todd B. Kotler
answered on Feb 25, 2024

She and the ex need to file a joint entry (with the judge's signature) modifying the parenting plan to reflect this new situation. Once that is in place she needs to contact CSEA and provide a certified copy of the filed entry to them requesting the modification of the support award.

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for Ohio on
Q: reaching for some legal help

Hello, I am reaching for some legal help. Does my wife have right to take our children away to her mothers house? I was “kicked out” from the home a month ago, against my will, but been present and coming back daily to see the children and to spend time with them. My wife is claiming that she... View More

Todd B. Kotler
Todd B. Kotler
answered on Feb 5, 2024

In the absence of a court order, married parents have equal rights to their children. Thus, she is within her rights to take them over to her mother's house, and you are within your rights to spend time with them as well. Your best course would be to hire an attorney and file a divorce and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for Ohio on
Q: I'm seaching information on filing for divorce involving domestic violence and husband on trial. I'm 7 months pregnant.

I need information. He is wanting to sell our home while I'm still in it with my protection order, I need to buy a home for my kids and I. He is currently awaiting trial for domestic violence and strangulation of myself, I am 7 months pregnant. Information on child custody and support as he... View More

Joseph Jaap
Joseph Jaap
answered on Jan 30, 2024

That must be very worrisome. But he cannot sell the home without your signature on the deed, even if you are not named on the deed. In Ohio, but spouses must sign any deed for real estate owned by either or both of them - so you both have to agree to any sale. If you file for divorce, you can... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Family Law and Child Support for Ohio on
Q: How long does a judge have to complete a journal entry or judgement entry on the child support order case?

Everything was ordered in court but still waiting on entry

Kelly A Rochotte
Kelly A Rochotte
answered on Jan 23, 2024

Generally speaking, the judgment entry will be issued after the magistrate's decision. Generally speaking in Ohio, the court is expected to do so "timely" following an adjudicative hearing. If a magistrate is issuing a decision, you will have 14 days to file any objections to that... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Support for Ohio on
Q: My child is over 18 and under my medical insurance. Separation agreement says we split medical expenses.

My daughter has anorexia and was diagnosed when she was 15. She’s been in a lot of treatment over the years. Last year she was in a treatment center that cost $15k out of pocket. My seperate agreements states we split medical bills. Does the splitting of medical bills stop when my daughter turned... View More

Nicholas P. Weiss
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answered on Jan 22, 2024

In general the duty to support goes to age18 or graduation from high school, whichever comes later. If she hasn't graduated you may be able to enforce payment. If she has graduated then she is no longer part of your divorce decree and he has no duty to support.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Adoption, Child Custody and Child Support for Ohio on
Q: My boyfriend turns 16 in two months and wants to move out once he is 16. (Ohio)

My boyfriends home parents are split up but neither home situation is healthy and/or safe for him. It is deteriorating his mental health and he needs to move out as soon as possible for his own well being. emancipation is not available in Ohio. However hes working on getting a job and already has... View More

Todd B. Kotler
Todd B. Kotler
answered on Jan 15, 2024

The only way he can legally move out of his parents house karma is with the involvement of the court. If his home life is truly presenting a substantial danger to him, a child protective agency needs to be involved. The only way a non-relative could succeed in transferring custody is if they have... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support and Family Law for Ohio on
Q: In ohio, can I get retroactive child support if I filed in June 2023 but it didn't start until November 2023?
Todd B. Kotler
Todd B. Kotler
answered on Jan 4, 2024

The parent seeking retroactive child support will have to file a formal petition with the court. Their petition must specifically ask for retroactive payments for certain dates and needs to include reasons that justify the support award. Reasons to seek retroactive child support include:... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for Ohio on
Q: My daughter's father has custody BUT since Sept. 27, 23. she has lived with my mom he has not contacted her. What now?

I pay child support to him, how do I change that to my mother since she has my duagther now?. He does not help nor has he reached out since my child moved to my mother's house in Sept.

Todd B. Kotler
Todd B. Kotler
answered on Dec 11, 2023

This really should be handled by an attorney. This case could turn on many facts not stated in the question. Why did Father have custody? Why is the chlid with maternal grandmother? It is likely your mother will need to file a Motion to intervene as a party and then file a motion to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support and Family Law for Ohio on
Q: How likely is it for someone to go to jail over back child support in Ohio state?

The person pays the mother monthly with a portion of their paycheck even when they don't get to see the child, there is no existing child support order due the fact of paternity not being established as of yet.

Todd B. Kotler
Todd B. Kotler
answered on Dec 7, 2023

Under these facts no one is going to jail. If there is no order, there is no arrears. If there is a pending case, the Court may award arrears, however, the obligor will have an opportunity to pay back them back over time. Seeing the child is a separate matter from whether one must pay support.... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for Ohio on
Q: What can be done to child support being paid to a mother who does nothing for her children?

A family member has been required to pay child support to his ex-wife who has basically cut all ties to her 3 kids. The children live with the father and he provides all needs for them. The mother refuses to support the children at all and instead uses the child support money paid to her on her... View More

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Nov 29, 2023

If he's paying child support then most likely it is Order or Judgment of the court----please contact a few family law attorneys in your area, set up a consultation and take a copy of Order and Judgment and discuss the pro and cons of going back to Court to change it where the father has... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Child Support and Personal Injury for Ohio on
Q: Can I negotiate child support garnishment on a settlement in Ohio?

I recently received a notice from the child support authority in Ohio regarding the garnishment of my personal injury settlement. There is an existing agreement for child support, and despite a 22-year incarceration which prevented me from fulfilling my obligations, since my release in 2022, I have... View More

Nicholas P. Weiss
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answered on Mar 4, 2025

You can try, but they have very little reason to accept less than the amount owed.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody, Child Support and Civil Rights for Ohio on
Q: Leaving father of my kids do I have to let him see the kids or can I keep him away till court comes into it?

I’m leaving my abusive boyfriend and his family and going to my parents. His family is also abusive as well. And would voice recordings be enough proof of them being abusive to keel them away from my kids. Ps I’m leaving today Jan 31 2025

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 9, 2025

Leaving an abusive situation is never easy, but your safety and your children’s well-being come first. If there is no existing custody order, you are not legally required to allow him to see the kids right now. However, he may have rights as their father, and the court will ultimately decide... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support for Ohio on
Q: In Ohio does CSEA automatically request child support for mother? Or does she have to manually request it herself?

The mother of our kids moved out. Now I have a request to pay child support. She advised it wasn't her doing. Unsure if I'm being lied to or if she the state really would request this without her approval

Nicholas P. Weiss
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answered on May 22, 2024

If a person applies for any public benefits they are required to also file for child support. If she did that, it is possible that she signed up for child support and did not even know that she has done so.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for Ohio on
Q: Where can I get a probono lawyer? also if my case just ended am I able to now file a new case in a different county ?
Nicholas P. Weiss
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answered on Apr 8, 2024

There is not enough information here to answer your questions. Assuming that this is a custody issue in fairfield, ohio, jurisdiction follows where the children reside, so you would have to file any custody action there. In addition, courts will not allow you to relitigate custody actions unless... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for Ohio on
Q: My son has 3 kids, 5 and under. Never married to the Mother. They are now split. He pays her bills but no legal rights

Basically… There is no support order, visitation, or father’s rights set up. She does not work.My son has a good job, works 7 days a week. Came back home(parents) to get his bills back on track. he is behind on many. What direction can He take to get paternity, visitation, support all legal in... View More

Todd B. Kotler
Todd B. Kotler
answered on Mar 24, 2024

Depending on the county a paternity action (sometimes called a motion to establish parental rights and responsibilities) costs anywhere between $6-7K. Look for an attorney who practices family law in your grandchildren's county.

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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support and Family Law for Ohio on
Q: How do I go about filing abandonment charges on a father who knows about the child and has never been there?

He is currently on child support and hasn’t paid. I currently have sole legal custody of the child for him wishing death on him.

Nicholas P. Weiss
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answered on Feb 14, 2024

There isn't really a charge for abandonment. If he has not paid child support yet, it is likely that CSEA has not yet started garnishing his wages. I recommend contacting CSEA for a status update on garnishment.

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