When Can Child Support Be Modified?

In cases of divorce or dissolution, the parent who doesn’t reside with the child will generally be ordered to pay child support. Though this obligation is usually in place until the child turns 18, the support order can be modified. If you pay or receive child support and want to seek a modification because of changed circumstances, Cincinnati attorney John Heilbrun can assess your claim and, if modification is possible, build a strong case on your behalf.

There are three options for parents who want to modify a child support arrangement. The first is for you and the other parent to agree to a mutual change in the order.

The second option is requesting an administrative review by your county’s child support enforcement agency (CSEA). Administrative review of child support obligations can only be requested periodically, unless a material and significant change has occurred in the circumstances of one or both parents, or the children.

The third option for seeking modification of child support is to petition the court for modification of the obligation. In such as case, the petitioner needs to establish that there has been a change in circumstances since the date of the last support order.

Changes in circumstances could include:

• Change in the child’s medical or other needs
• Involuntary job loss for either parent
• Increase or decrease in income for either parent
• The disability of either parent

Courts in Ohio responsible for setting child support obligations perform the initial calculations based on the standard child support worksheet. If the changes that have occurred in the relevant circumstances of the parties result in a child support obligation that is 10 percent higher or lower than the existing obligation, this is considered a sufficient change of circumstance to make a modification.

Cincinnati lawyer John Heilbrun has been helping clients fight for fair child support arrangements for more than 30 years. If you think a new life event necessitates a modification of the child support order, Mr. Heilbrun can evaluate your circumstances and offer guidance on the next steps in your case.

To learn more about how child support is handled in Cincinnati courts, please contact the Law Office of John Heilbrun or call 513-321-3940 today to schedule your initial appointment.