Home » Family Law » Child Support Modification

Child Support Modification

Life is always changing, and because of that, there are certain circumstances that warrant a modification to a child support order. Anyone wishing to modify an existing child support order is required to file a petition with the court. The state allows a child support order to be modified every 36 months, but an order can be reviewed sooner if certain conditions are met.

If you are seeking a modification to a child support obligation in Ohio, you will want to provide the court with sufficient evidence to prove the amount you desire should be lowered or raised. Conditions that usually warrant a modification related to a change in a parent’s financial situation.

Attorney for Child Support Modification in Columbus, OH

If you are planning to seek child support modification in central Ohio, it would be in your best interest to retain legal counsel from Joslyn Law Firm. Our attorneys are experienced with child support modification cases and will strive to achieve the best possible outcome for your situation.

Joslyn Law Firm serve clients in counties around the Columbus area that include Union, Delaware, Licking, Fairfield, Pickaway, Madison, and Franklin. Call us today at Joslyn Law Firm or fill out our online form and one of our attorneys will review your case for free.

Columbus, OH Information Center

What Needs to be Proven

If you request to the court that a child support order needs to be increased or decreased, there are a few things that need to be proven in order to do so. Under Ohio Revised Code 3119.79, it must be proven there is:

A significant change in circumstance since the last order was issued
Significant change will result in at least a 10% reduction or increase in the child support order

There are certain circumstances that can make a request for modification ineligible. Some of the circumstances include your case is currently pending before the court, or the location of the obligor is unknown.

Circumstances for Modification

After a change of circumstance has been proven, there are a number of circumstances that warrant a modification of support before the 36 months have elapsed. These circumstances include:

Loss of employment for a minimum of 30 consecutive days

30% increase or decrease in income for at least 6 months
Permanent disability
Incarceration or institutionalization with no income or assets available to support the child
Increase or decrease in the cost of health insurance or child care
Return of, or deployed for, active military duty

Modification to a child support order can be either permanent or temporary. A temporary modification is usually granted because of temporary situations such as a child medical emergency, temporary loss of employment of the parent, or a medical emergency of a parent. A temporary order can also be issued because of a temporary change in child custody if one parent needs to be in the hospital for a long period of time. Even grandparents can have parental rights granted in some custody situations.

Ohio Child Support Modification Resources

Child Support Guidelines | Franklin County Child Support Enforcement Agency – The Franklin County Child Support Enforcement Agency provides an online booklet over child support guidelines in Ohio. The booklet covers topics such as the review process for child support modification, permitted adjustments, and other basic guidelines.

Child Support Modification Q&A | Ohio State Bar Association – The Ohio State Bar Association features a Q&A column over some of the frequently asked questions regarding child support modification in Ohio. Some of the questions answered include what is child support modification, possible outcomes of support review, and what to do if you disagree with your results.

Chapter 3119 | Ohio Revised Code –View the full text of the Ohio Revised Code that covers child support on codes.ohio.gov. The chapter provides an in-depth explanation, in legal terms, of child support in Ohio. Sections discussing modification include: 3119.46,48, 71,772 and 84. Codes.ohio.gov is a website that features the Ohio Revised Code and the Administrative Code.

Find a Child Support Modification Lawyer in Columbus, OH

The best step you can take in modifying a child support order is retaining an experienced legal team from Joslyn Law Firm. Our attorneys are experienced with child support modification and will strive to ensure your case is handled with trust and diligence.

Joslyn Law Firm serves clients in counties around Columbus. These counties include Union, Delaware, Licking, Fairfield, Pickaway, Madison, and Franklin. Call us today or provide your information in our online form and one of our attorneys will review your child support modification case for free.

We can also assist with modifications to spousal support and file a Motion To Modify Spousal Support in Ohio if necessary.