How does Ohio calculate child support?

Ohio uses an Income Shares Model with a detailed worksheet. The calculation considers: combined gross income of both parents, number of children, local tax rates (used to compute net income), health insurance premiums for children, childcare expenses, and other court-ordered support obligations. The result is a basic child support obligation divided proportionally between parents based on their income percentages.

What is included as income for Ohio child support?

Ohio includes: wages, salaries, and commissions; overtime and bonuses; self-employment income; pensions and retirement benefits; interest and dividends; Social Security benefits (with some exceptions); unemployment and workers compensation; rental income; spousal support received; and other income sources. Some benefits like SSI, means-tested public assistance, and adoption assistance are typically excluded.

How does parenting time affect child support in Ohio?

If a parent has parenting time for more than 90 overnights per year, Ohio law allows for a parenting time adjustment that may reduce child support. The adjustment considers that the parent with extended time provides direct care and expenses during their parenting time. Shared parenting (roughly equal time) results in different calculations where both parents may have support obligations.

Are childcare and health insurance costs added to Ohio child support?

Yes, in addition to basic child support, parents share: health insurance premiums specifically for the children, extraordinary medical expenses not covered by insurance, and work-related or job-search-related childcare expenses. These expenses are allocated between parents proportionally based on each parent's percentage of combined income. Childcare costs must be reasonable and verified.

Can I modify child support in Ohio?

Yes, child support can be modified with a substantial change in circumstances, including: significant income changes (increase or decrease) for either parent, changes in parenting time schedules, changes in health insurance or childcare costs, emancipation or changes in number of children supported, or if three years have passed since the last order. You must file a motion with the court that issued the original order.

Finance

Ohio Child Support Calculator

Estimate child support obligations in Ohio using the state worksheet model.

Annual Gross Income

Parent 1 (Obligor) ($)

Parent 2 (Obligee) ($)

Details

Number of Children

Parent 1 Overnights/Year>90 nights may qualify for 10% reduction

* Estimate only. Actual amounts determined by Ohio courts.

Enter details to calculate.

How to Use This Calculator

Enter Annual Gross Income

Input the annual gross income (before taxes and deductions) for both parents. Include all income sources: employment wages, self-employment, bonuses, commissions, unemployment, Social Security, pensions, and other income. Accurate income reporting is essential for correct calculations. **Legal Disclaimer: This is an estimate only. Consult an Ohio family law attorney for binding legal advice.**

Specify Children and Expenses

Enter the number of children covered by the support order, monthly health insurance premiums paid for the children (not total family premiums), and work-related childcare expenses. The calculator will incorporate these mandatory add-ons into the total support obligation.

Enter Parenting Time Information

Specify the number of annual overnights each parent has with the children. If either parent exceeds 90 overnights per year, the calculator may apply Ohio's parenting time adjustment, which can reduce the support obligation.

Review Estimated Support Amount

The calculator estimates the monthly or annual child support obligation. This is based on Ohio's child support guidelines and worksheet methodology. Actual court orders may vary due to deviations, special circumstances, or judicial discretion. **This tool provides estimates only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult with an attorney for your specific situation.**