Children

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Making Changes to Support Orders

Information for Parents Paying Support

What if I make less money?

If a major change in your circumstances occurs, you have the right to ask for an administrative modification hearing through a form, Request for an Administrative Review of a Court Order (ODJFS 01849).

According to administrative guidelines, a major change in circumstance is a 30 percent reduction in your income for more than six months. However, you may file a motion directly with the court regardless of the administrative guidelines.

If I lose my job, do I still have to pay support?

Yes. Child support can be taken from your Unemployment Compensation. However, you do have the right to ask for a modification review.

I was injured on the job. Do I still have to pay support?

Yes. Child support can be taken from your Workers’ Compensation. Depending on the length of time you are unable to work, you can ask for a modification review.

What if I change jobs?

Call your worker at Hamilton County Child Support Services immediately and provide information about your new employer. Child Support Services will issue a wage withholding notice. Make support payments to Child Support Payment Central yourself until your new employer begins withholding support from your wages. Send payments to:

CSPC

P.O. Box 182372

Columbus, OH 43218-2394

If I marry someone else, will it affect my child support payments?

No.

If the other parent marries someone else, will that affect my payment?

No, unless you agree to allow the new spouse to adopt your children.

If my children stay with me part of the time, do I still have to pay support?

Yes, you must pay support. Custody is separate from child support, and the court is responsible for custody.

What if I move to another state?

Call your worker at Hamilton County Child Support Services as soon as you know you are moving. Provide your new address and new employer. Child Support Services will explain the best way to continue making regular support payments.

What if the other parent and my children move to another state?

This should not affect your child support payments. Continue to pay as you always have.

What if the other parent and I begin or resume living together?

File a motion to suspend your current support order with either the Court of Domestic Relations or Juvenile Court. If the parent ever received public assistance, see our fact sheet “Child Support and Public Assistance.”

What if I’m in jail? Do I still have to pay support?

Some states pay prisoners an allowance while in jail. Child support services can attach 25%of that allowance for child support. If you are not receiving an allowance, and if you have no other sources of income, you will be unable to pay child support while jailed. However, your obligation to pay support does not stop. Unpaid child support will continue to add up unless you file a motion with the court to modify the order until you are released from jail. You will still owe unpaid child support when released from jail.

The other parent is receiving public assistance. Does this affect my support?

Public assistance does not affect the amount of child support you pay. Continue to pay as you always have.

Does the other parent have to let me see my children if I’m paying support?

Visitation and child support are separate issues. The court sets visitation. If you wish to establish visitation or if the other parent is not living up to court ordered visitation, file a motion with the court. Do not stop paying child support. This will only hurt your children and increase your debt. Go through the courts to establish or enforce visitation.