Shared parenting can give you meaningful time with your child. But equal parenting time does not automatically erase your child support obligation. In Ohio, the court considers your parenting schedule along with both parents’ income, child-related expenses and other financial details.
How parenting time affects support
Ohio courts generally calculate child support using the state’s schedule and worksheet. The calculation considers both parents’ incomes and determines each parent’s share of the financial responsibility.
Your court-ordered parenting time can affect that calculation. If you have at least 90 overnights each year, Ohio law generally requires a 10% reduction in your annual individual child support obligation. The reduction may not apply if you fail to use your court-ordered parenting time without a valid reason.
The 10% adjustment does not mean you will pay no support. A parent may still owe child support because the court bases the obligation on the overall financial circumstances of both parents.
Several factors can affect the amount you pay or receive:
- Parents’ income and earning ability
- Number of children covered by the order
- Court-ordered parenting time
- Work-related child-care expenses
- Health insurance costs for the child
- Extraordinary medical or other child-related expenses
The court may also order a larger or smaller adjustment when applying the guideline amount would be unjust or inappropriate and would not serve the child’s best interest. The court must consider the relevant circumstances and make the required findings.
What if your schedule changes?
A change in parenting time does not automatically change your child support order. You generally must request a review or modification through the appropriate court or child support agency.
For example, if you begin exercising substantially more court-ordered parenting time, you may have grounds to request a review. The court will examine the new schedule along with your income, the other parent’s income and the child’s expenses.
Looking at the full picture
Shared parenting can affect child support, but it does not guarantee a lower payment. Your 90 overnights, income and child-related expenses may all matter. An Ohio family-law attorney can help you understand how the rules may apply to your circumstances and what information you may need to request a review.