Child Support Services

in Cleveland & Northeast Ohio

Child Support

When parents separate or divorce, financial support for children becomes a key part of the legal process. Ohio law requires that both parents contribute to a child’s well-being — but calculating and enforcing child support can quickly become complex.


We help parents across Cleveland, Independence, Akron, Beachwood, and Westlake understand their rights, responsibilities, and options when it comes to child support. Whether you’re seeking support, responding to a request, or dealing with a dispute, we’ll guide you through it with clarity and strategy.

How Child Support Works in Ohio

BASIC SUPPORT CALCULCATIONS

Ohio uses statutory guidelines to calculate support based on each parent’s income, number of children, and amount of parenting time. The formula also considers costs like health insurance and childcare.


We’ll help you estimate what support may be ordered in your case and identify any issues that could justify a deviation from the standard amount.

DEVIATIONS FROM GUIDELINES

In some cases, the court may adjust support up or down based on factors like:

  • High income or financial hardship
  • Extraordinary expenses for education, medical care, or travel
  • Parenting time that significantly exceeds standard schedules
  • Childcare or health insurance costs already being paid by one parent

We help clients present strong, well-documented cases when a deviation may be appropriate.

MODIFYING CHILD SUPPORT ORDERS

Child support is not set in stone. If your circumstances have changed — due to income changes, job loss, medical issues, or parenting time adjustments — your order may qualify for modification.

ENFORCING CHILD SUPPORT

If support isn’t being paid as ordered, the receiving parent can ask the court to enforce the order through wage withholding, contempt proceedings, or license suspension.

Who We Help

We represent:

  • Parents establishing child support during divorce or separation
  • Non-custodial parents responding to support requests
  • Parents seeking enforcement or modification of existing orders
  • Unmarried parents establishing or adjusting child support through juvenile court

OUR APPROACH

  • We give honest, upfront advice about what to expect
  • We gather financial documentation to support your case
  • We explain every step of the process so you can make informed decisions
  • We focus on workable outcomes that serve the child’s best interest

FAQs

  • How is child support calculated in Ohio?

    Ohio uses a formula based on both parents’ incomes, the number of children, and parenting time. The calculation also includes costs like health insurance and childcare.

  • Can child support orders be changed?

    Yes. If income, employment, or parenting arrangements change significantly, support orders can be reviewed and modified by the court.

  • What happens if the other parent doesn’t pay support?

    Failure to pay child support can result in wage garnishment, license suspension, tax refund seizure, and contempt proceedings.

  • Does child support cover school and extracurriculars?

    Basic support may not cover all extracurricular costs. Parents can agree to share these expenses separately, or request the court to consider them during the case.

  • Do I have to go to court to establish child support?

    Not always. If both parents agree, an order can be submitted to the court for approval. However, if there's a dispute, court involvement is often necessary.

Have any more questions?

I WILL GIVE YOU HONEST ADVICE.

We don’t sugarcoat the truth — we give clear, honest advice.

I WILL PROVIDE YOU WITH CLEAR PRICING.

We explain costs upfront so there are no financial surprises.

I WILL LISTEN TO YOU FIRST.

We listen first, then guide you through your legal options.

TOGETHER, WE'LL FOCUS ON YOUR FUTURE.

We focus on practical outcomes that position you for a stronger future.