Maumee Child Support Lawyer
Legal Representation for Child Support Orders & Modifications
The issue of child support may be settled during the divorce or legal separation process or at any time for parents who were never married. Regardless of whether the parents were married, living together, or not together at all, both have a responsibility to contribute to the care and support of their children. Ohio has set guidelines for calculating the amount of child support payments. The Lucas County child support lawyers at Smith & Smith Law Office, LLC can explain the law as it pertains to your situation and guide you through the legal process.
If you have questions about child support, call (419) 842-4629 to schedule a consultation.
What Are the Ohio Child Support Guidelines?
Child support may be awarded during a divorce, annulment, legal separation, or when the father of a child is determined through a paternity test. Ohio state law has established a formula for calculating child support obligations. The formula combines the gross income of both parents and allows specific deductions from the gross income of either parent, depending on the situation.
The deductions allowed from gross income include:
- Other child or alimony support orders
- Local taxes
- The value of the federal dependency exemption for each dependent
- Spousal support for the current marriage
In determining the amount of child support, courts may consider factors other than income, such as the number of children, the cost of daycare, and health insurance. Support is generally awarded to the custodial parent or the parent with lower income when custody is shared equally.
Duration of Child Support
Child support payments continue until the child reaches the age of 18 or graduates from high school if the child is still in school on his or her 18th birthday. In limited situations, support may end before the child’s 18th birthday. For example, child support payments may end when the child is married or not living at home before the age of 18. Support may continue beyond the age of 18 when the child is handicapped or has special needs.
How Often Can Child Support Be Modified in Ohio?
Failing to make court-ordered child support payments can result in serious legal consequences. However, circumstances do change.
The only way to make a change to an existing child support order and avoid being found in violation of a court order is to petition for a modification. Modifications are only granted if you can prove that a substantial change in your circumstances necessitates the modification.
Examples of valid situations include:
- Children spending more time at one home as they get older
- One parent losing a job or earning a significant promotion
- Relocating
- A parent or the child falling ill or being seriously injured
If you believe the amount you are paying or receiving should decrease or increase, it is best to seek advice from an experienced family law attorney.
Learn How the Law Applies to Your Situation
Whether you want to petition for child support or request a modification of an existing court order, our Lucas County child support attorneys can help. Our firm focuses solely on family law, and we are committed to helping families work together to achieve positive results.
Please contact us at (419) 842-4629 to discuss your situation with our team.
Why Choose Smith & Smith Law Office, LLC?
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Free Phone Consultations
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Committed to a 24 Hour Response Time
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Exclusively Practicing Family Law
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Put a Fierce Advocate On Your Side
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Affordable Financing Available
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Offering Alternative Options to Divorce
Get to Know Us Through the Eyes of Our Clients
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"She was an amazing lawyer"She was an amazing lawyer She Answered every question I had. Delivered excellency service and even helped me get everything I needed. If I ever have another problem I know who I am going to call!- Gary R.
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"Can not thank her enough"Christine is a life saver. She took what I thought was the end of my life and the system screwing me over to giving me my life back. She is my forever lawyer. Can not thank her enough- Joshua R.
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"If you’re looking for representation who is professional and thorough, this is the place!"If you’re looking for representation who is professional and thorough, this is the place. Christine’s knowledge is outstanding, she is someone who is compassionate and caring for all her clients! She took the time in listening to all my needs and trust her 100% of the way. If you’re ever stuck in a difficult situation for child support and child custody, she’s the person you want on your side helping you fight the battle.- Former Client
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"Christine was confident, had some great strategies of how we could fight this and really made me feel hope again."I spoke with Christine today regarding my divorce case that my previous attorney mishandled. After talking to over a dozen lawyers to try to find someone to help combat the mess I'm in, Christine was confident, had some great strategies of how we could fight this and really made me feel hope again. I am looking forward to working with her, I feel she will do a very good job handling my case and will fight for me.- Amanda B.
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"Christine has been absolutely amazing to work with in an especially difficult time."Christine has been absolutely amazing to work with in an especially difficult time. I am thankful for her knowledge and experience! I would highly recommend her!- Maggie W.
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"Definitely changed my life for the better."She is amazing. I went to her with a super complex case and she got me exactly what I wanted. Definitely changed my life for the better.- Gregory R.
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"Truly trustworthy and honest"Being new to Toledo and new to any kind of court issues, I was super nervous about getting a lawyer and finding someone I could trust. From the very first call I was sold. Misty and Christine both were extremely friendly, caring and even more important, upfront about what to expect. They didn't push me to make any decisions I wasnt comfortable with. I didn't have to sacrifice my life savings and they made things so easy for me (and actually even my now exhusband as well). I feel like if I had needed anything more than I did, they would have continued to go above and beyond. Truly trustworthy and honest. If you need someone in your corner this is the place go to. Thank you for helping me gain my freedom back!- Princess Arielle
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"If you need a family lawyer this is who you call"Amazing family-owned business, if you need a family lawyer this is who you call. Thank you so much for going above and beyond.