Spousal & Child Support
Child Support and Spousal Support in Ohio: What You Need to Know
When navigating family law issues in Cleveland, Ohio, two of the most important financial concerns are child support and spousal support (alimony). Find answers to common questions parents and spouses often ask, and find out what you need to know under Ohio law.
Who Has to Pay Child Support in Ohio?
Under
Ohio
law,
all
legal
parents
are
required
to
financially
support
their
children.
Legal
parents
include:
-
Biological
parents
(married
or
unmarried)
-
Adoptive
parents
-
Fathers
who
have
acknowledged
paternity
In short: Every child is entitled to financial support from their parents, regardless of marital status.
How Is Income Calculated for Child Support?
The Ohio Supreme Court guidelines determine how much child support must be paid. While these guidelines apply in most cases, the court may adjust the amount if it finds the standard calculation would be unjust or inappropriate.
What Counts as Income?
All of a parent’s gross earnings are considered, including:
- Wages, salaries, overtime, and bonuses
- Tips, commissions, royalties, and rents
- Severance pay, pensions, annuities, and trust income
- Spousal support received from someone outside the case
- Disability benefits, unemployment, or workers’ compensation
- Social Security and veterans’ benefits
-
Any
other
income
source
What Does NOT Count as Income?
Some payments are excluded from “gross income,” such as:
- Welfare (cash assistance)
- Food stamps and SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
- Certain service-connected disability benefits
- Child support received for children from another relationship
- Mandatory wage deductions
-
One-time
or
nonrecurring
income
When Does Child Support End in Ohio?
Child
support
obligations
typically
end
when
a
child
turns
18
years
old.
However,
there
are
exceptions:
-
Continued
support
past
18:
if
the
child
is
still
in
high
school
-
Extended
support:
if
the
child
has
a
disability
preventing
self-support
-
Early
termination:
if
the
child
becomes
emancipated
or
gets
married
Because every family situation is unique, it’s important to seek legal guidance from experts to make sure support amounts are fair and accurate—especially if one parent quits a job, hides income, or unusual circumstances exist.
Understanding Spousal Support (Alimony)
Spousal
support,
also
called
alimony,
can
be
a
major
factor
in
divorce
cases.
The
Ohio
Revised
Code
lists
multiple
factors
courts
use
when
deciding
the
amount
and
duration
of
spousal
support.
Key Questions Courts Consider for Alimony:
- What is each spouse’s income and earning potential?
- What are their ages and physical, mental, or emotional conditions?
- What retirement benefits are available to each?
- How long was the marriage?
- What parenting arrangements are in place?
- What standard of living was maintained during the marriage?
- What is the education level of each party?
- What are the total assets and debts?
- Did one spouse contribute to the other’s education or career?
- How much time and expense would be needed for a spouse to become self-sufficient?
-
What
are
the
tax
consequences
of
spousal
support?
Why You Need an Experienced Family Lawyer in Cleveland, Ohio
Child support and spousal support determinations can have a long-term impact on your financial future. An experienced Cleveland, Ohio family law attorney, like the experts at the Law offices of Cara L. Santosuosso, can:
- Ensure all income is accurately reported
- Advocate for fair child support calculations
- Protect your rights in spousal support negotiations
-
Help
you
navigate
special
circumstances
that
may
apply
to
your
case
Whether you’re dealing with child support or spousal support in Cleveland, Ohio, having the right legal representation is crucial. Family law can be complex, and a knowledgeable attorney can make sure your financial future—and your child’s future—are protected.