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1. Who determines the amount of support ordered to pay?

The Court or CSEA, based on the State of Ohio Guidelines.

2. How is the amount of child support calculated?

Support is calculated using information about your income and the other parent’s income, certain expenses and number of dependents in a state mandated formula.

3. What will happen if I just don’t pay?

For complete information, see the If You Don't Pay Your Child Support page.

4. What if I can’t locate the other parent?

The time required to find a non-custodial parent depends on how much information is provided. The complexity of the case and how willing the non-custodial parent is to be found are other factors. See the Locating the Other Parent page for additional information. Locating the Other Location Page

5. How do you enforce a support order across state lines?

The interstate process allows the CSEA to establish paternity and establish support orders, enforce support orders and collect current and unpaid support from the non-custodial parent across state lines.

6. What if I’m receiving OWF benefits?

Both child support and Ohio Works First are financial benefits for minor children. Parents pay child support, Ohio Works First comes from the taxpayers. If the other is able-bodied, but absent, your Ohio Works First benefits are considered a loan because child support is not forth coming. When you apply for Ohio Works First, you give up your right to past due child support and all current support you may receive, up to the total amount of the Ohio Works First benefits. In other words, the able-bodied non-custodial parent should be paying child support becomes indebted to the state.

7. What is the administrative fee and who pays it?

The Administrative fee (formerly known as poundage) is a 2% processing fee that the state law charges on all court orders that are registered with the CSEA. This is a responsibility of the obligor to pay in addition to his monthly ordered support.

Example: An obligor is ordered to pay $100 for child support x 2% = $2
(So, $100 + $2 = $102 per month)

8. How often will I receive my support?

If your child support is collected from a wage withholding, you will receive your support according to the obligor’s pay schedule. For example, if the obligor gets a weekly paycheck you should expect your check within a week of when it is sent from the employer.

Remember: Child support payments are now processed through Ohio Child Support Payment Central in Columbus, Ohio. The check will go to Columbus first, then processed to you.