Experienced Representation in Child Support
Financial support for children is dictated largely by Ohio's child support guidelines. There are various reasons to deviate from the formula, though, and the calculation is different for high earners. You may also need a skilled lawyer to enforce court-ordered obligations or adjust support levels after divorce.
Akron, Ohio, attorney John M. Dohner has more than 20 years of experience in determination, modification and enforcement of child support in northeastern Ohio. Contact him today to arrange a consultation.
Initial Determination of Child Support
The standard formula calculates child support by gross combined income of the parents — seven percent per child. That amount may be adjusted upward or downward for a number of variables:
- Child care expenses
- Health insurance and out-of-pocket expenses
- Support obligations for other children
- Spousal support
- Parenting time
- Private school tuition or college savings
- Special needs of the child
Support guidelines do not apply beyond $150,000 in combined income. We have experience in high-asset divorce and the complex negotiation or litigation of child support in those cases.
Mr. Dohner's role in establishing child support is to ensure the court has comprehensive and accurate information about income and expenses. He is adept at finding unreported income or demonstrating that a paying parent is intentionally underemployed.
Modifying or Terminating Child Support
There must be a material change in circumstances to petition for an increase or decrease in child support. It could be a raise in earnings or a job loss, changing needs of the child, or a new custody arrangement. Mr. Dohner represents either party in the modification hearing.
A parent can petition to end support when the child reaches age 18 (emancipation). However, support may be continued indefinitely for a "Castle child" who was disabled before age 18 and cannot become self-supporting.
Enforcement of Child Support
The Dohner Law Office can step in if a parent is not paying court-ordered support. Remedies include filing liens, garnishment of wages and contempt of court proceedings. Mr. Dohner's experience can be especially important in enforcement actions against a non-compliant parent who resides outside of Ohio.
To discuss any aspect of child support, contact our Akron office at 330.931.4216 or 866.887.1608.
