8 Misconceptions About Child Support in Ohio

Going through a divorce is difficult in and of itself, and having children can complicate matters. It’s best to learn all you can about child support in Ohioand discuss your particular situation with a child support law firm in Columbus, Ohio to make sure you eliminate any misconceptions you or your spouse may have.

Many of the misconceptions people have about child support revolve around visitation. Speaking to an attorney at a child support law firm in Columbus, Ohio can clear up preconceptions you may have about the relationship between visitation rights and child support obligations.

3 Misconceptions Surrounding Child Support in Ohio and Visitation Rights

• Misconception #1 - If your spouse has a court order to pay child support in Ohio, then he retains a legal right to visit with your children.
• Misconception #2 - It’s OK to withhold visitation between the child and the parent paying child support if he fails to make child support payments.
• Misconception #3 - If you and your spouse have shared parenting, no child support will be awarded.

While these concepts may seem logical, that’s not how the courts view it. Child support and visitation are two separate and distinct issues. You can’t withhold visitation rights if your spouse doesn’t make his child support payments. Likewise, just because your spouse pays child support regularly, doesn’t automatically guarantee him visitation time either. How the courts award custody and child support in Ohio is unique in each case and is done in the best interests of the child.

3 Misconceptions About Ohio Child Support Financial Particulars

• Misconception #4 - Paying child support gives the paying spouse the right to claim the children as dependents on federal or state tax returns.
• Misconception #5 - All money given directly to your spouse, instead of through regulated child support, will be counted as child support payments.
• Misconception #6 - You can avoid paying child support by working under the table and avoiding property ownership.

The way in which dependent claims are made on tax returns is determined in a legal agreement between both parties, which is a separate matter from child support payments. Additionally, always make child support payments that can be tracked, such as by check or money order.

Moral and legal obligations demand that responsible parties make timely Ohio child support payments, and authorities work tirelessly to ensure payments are met.

If changes in your case need to be made, it’s important to discuss the situation with a Columbus, OH child support law firm and to follow legal guidelines when contacting the Child Support Enforcement Agency (CSEA).

2 Misconceptions of CSEA During Ohio Child Support Procedures

• Misconception #7 - Calling CSEA authorities is just as effective as written communication.
• Misconception #8 - It’s acceptable to wait for the CSEA to track down changes to your case, instead of filling out the required paperwork.

If there’s a problem with your case, remember to fill out any required paperwork and make all requests in writing. This ensures matters will be dealt with in a timely manner and leaves a recorded paper trail of your case. You’ll want to speak with an Ohio child support attorney at a Columbus, OH child support law firm to discuss any case changes.