When Does Child Support End in Ohio?

If you file for divorce and share minor children, one parent typically makes a monthly payment to the other party to financially support the child. Understanding what factors affect child support and when child support ends in Ohio can help you get a clearer understanding of what you can expect. Speaking with a reputable family law attorney also helps you manage your expectations and understand what your rights are.

How Child Support Is Calculated

In Ohio, family courts usually take the following factors into account when determining child support payments:

  • Each parent’s income and other financial resources
  • The number of children requiring support
  • Any child support for children from a previous marriage
  • Educational, daycare, healthcare, and everyday costs for the child(ren)

If the paying parent’s life circumstances significantly change, they have the right to request a court order modification. The law permits a review every 36 months.

When Do Child Support Payments Typically End in Ohio?

In Ohio, the “majority age” is 18, which is generally when child support payments end as long as the child has also graduated high school. Although the law is clear on what grounds child support can be terminated, parents still need to submit appropriate documents such as a copy of the high school diploma to their county’s Child Support Enforcement Agency (CSEA) to formalize the end of child support payments.

When Can Child Support End Before My Child Turn 18?

Child support may end before your child turns 18 in case of early emancipation such as your child getting married or enlisting in the military.

Custody changes may also result in the early termination of child support payments. For example, if the paying parent becomes custodial of the child, they do not need to continue making payments to the other parent to support the child’s needs. If someone else adopts your child, child supports also terminates early.

In Which Cases Would Child Support Continue After My Child Turned 18?

If your child is still attending high school when they turn 18, child support payments may continue until they graduate. Child support is typically terminated when your child turns 19 even if they are still in high school.

If your child has graduated from or stopped attending high school and is living independently before they turn 18, you may also request to terminate child support early.

If your child has a physical, mental, or developmental disability, child support may be extended for the rest of their life if a judge deems it necessary to ensure financial resources.

Can Divorced Parents Plan for College Funding?

Ohio does not force a parent to pay for their child’s college expenses. However, divorced parents have the option to negotiate funding as part of their parenting plan and submit it for approval along with their divorce decree. If approved by the judge, this type of agreement becomes enforceable like any other court order.

If you are considering including provisions for college funding in your parenting plan, working with a lawyer can ensure that you use clear language that leaves nothing up for interpretation in your agreement.

Do you need personalized legal counsel and representation for child support negotiations or modifications in Greene County? Contact Crossman & McNamee, LLC, today at (937) 468-3796 to schedule a consultation!

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