Ohio Child Support Calculator
Uses Ohio Income Shares — ORC 3119 combined adjusted gross income schedule
Table of Contents
How Ohio Calculates Child Support
Ohio uses the Income Shares model under ORC Chapter 3119 (Ohio Revised Code). The calculation determines each parent's gross income, subtracts allowable deductions (including local/municipal income taxes unique to Ohio), combines the adjusted incomes, and looks up the basic child support obligation from the state schedule. Each parent's share is proportional to their percentage of the combined adjusted gross income.
Ohio's guidelines create a rebuttable presumption that the calculated amount is correct. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) administers the state's child support enforcement program through county Child Support Enforcement Agencies (CSEAs). Ohio is notable for its relatively detailed guidelines that specifically address shared parenting, health care, childcare, and extraordinary expenses.
Income Under ORC 3119
Ohio defines gross income broadly, including all earned and unearned income. A distinctive feature of Ohio is the deduction for local and municipal income taxes, which many Ohio cities and villages impose. Allowable deductions include:
- Federal, state, and local income taxes (Ohio is one of few states with significant local income taxes)
- FICA (Social Security and Medicare)
- Mandatory retirement contributions
- Union dues
- Pre-existing child support obligations
- Spousal support paid
- Local/municipal income taxes (unique to Ohio)
Shared Parenting in Ohio
Ohio addresses shared parenting through court-approved shared parenting plans. When parents have a shared parenting plan, the court still calculates child support using the standard guidelines but may deviate based on the specific terms of the plan and the amount of time each parent spends with the children. Ohio courts consider the additional household expenses incurred by the non-residential parent during extended parenting time and may adjust support accordingly.
Ohio's approach to shared parenting and child support has been shaped by significant case law. Courts have broad discretion to adjust support in shared parenting situations to reflect the actual division of expenses between the households.
Cash Medical Support and Health Insurance
Ohio has specific provisions for health care in child support orders. The court must include a health care order requiring one or both parents to provide health insurance for the children. If private insurance is not available at a reasonable cost (defined as not exceeding 5% of the obligor's gross income), the court may order cash medical support instead. Unreimbursed medical expenses are typically divided proportionally between the parents based on their income shares.
Deviation Factors
Ohio courts can deviate from the guideline amount based on specific factors listed in ORC 3119.23:
- Special or unusual needs of the children
- Extraordinary obligations for prior-born children
- Other court-ordered payments
- Extended parenting time or extraordinary costs
- The obligor's need for a reliable vehicle
- Significant in-kind contributions
- Disproportion of net income to total income
- Benefits received by a parent from remarriage or shared living
- Post-secondary education expenses
Modification and Enforcement
Ohio allows modification every 36 months through administrative review by the CSEA, or at any time upon showing a substantial change in circumstances (generally a 10% change). Ohio's enforcement tools include income withholding, tax interception, license suspension (driver's, professional, recreational), contempt, property liens, bank account seizure, credit reporting, passport denial, and even driver's license points. Ohio charges interest on arrearages at the statutory rate.
Ohio child support continues until the child turns 18, or age 19 if still attending high school. The court may order support for a disabled child beyond the age of majority.
Ohio uses combined adjusted gross income schedule under ORC Chapter 3119
Ohio Child Support Schedule
Below is a representative sample of the Ohio child support schedule showing basic monthly obligations:
| Combined Monthly Income | 1 Child | 2 Children | 3 Children | 4 Children | 5 Children |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1,500 | $285 | $429 | $491 | $531 | $567 |
| $2,500 | $418 | $629 | $720 | $779 | $831 |
| $3,500 | $519 | $780 | $883 | $961 | $1,030 |
| $5,000 | $653 | $980 | $1,108 | $1,208 | $1,295 |
| $7,500 | $853 | $1,271 | $1,424 | $1,562 | $1,681 |
| $10,000 | $1,034 | $1,534 | $1,717 | $1,887 | $2,031 |
| $15,000 | $1,342 | $1,979 | $2,221 | $2,446 | $2,638 |
| $20,000 | $1,597 | $2,325 | $2,620 | $2,890 | $3,122 |