Child Support Lawyers in Dayton

Child Support Lawyers in Dayton

Child custody and child support are determined through legal action when two parents are not in a relationship and do not live together. The system to calculate child support in Ohio is more straightforward than in some states. Even so, many who are unfamiliar with the process find it challenging to navigate. 

You will need the help of child support lawyers in Dayton to guide you through the legal process and ensure you are getting a fair amount for your child’s needs. The VanNoy Firm clearly understands how child support laws and determinations work, and we use our knowledge to help clients. 

Both parents in Dayton are legally required to provide financial support for their children until they graduate high school or turn 19. Child support payments must be calculated correctly and altered when changes happen for either parent. Since both parents must provide financial support, the calculations will consider both incomes. 

Parenting Time Arrangements

Another contributing factor in child support determination is parenting time arrangements. If one parent is the primary custodian, they will likely be the ones to be awarded child support. If parenting time is equal, the parent who is a higher earner will be the one to pay support. 

Many parents are under the impression that parenting time arrangements are the only factor in support determinations. They are not. Ultimately, child support payments aim to level the playing field financially between the two parents. 

Calculating Child Support

Parenting time arrangements play a crucial role in calculating child support, but there are several other factors at play. When the court is calculating child support payments, they will consider the following:

• The needs of the children the parents share
• The number of children the parents share
• The ability to pay child support
• The lifestyle your children grew accustomed to before the divorce or separation 
• Child-related expenses like healthcare, education, and others
• The net earnings of both parents

The goal of child support is to put the child’s best interests first and not the parents’. 

Failure to Pay Child Support

After child support is determined, some parents will try to evade making payments or blatantly miss payments because they disagree with the outcome. When the court is calculating support, it will look at several items to determine earning potential, including:

• Employment history 
• Education level
• Specialized certifications
• Geographical employment data
• Capabilities of the parent to work
• Employment opportunities in the area

Therefore if a parent attempts to evade paying by staying unemployed or choosing to be underemployed, they can still be on the hook for support. If a parent is unemployed through no fault of their own, this can change things. 

Consult With Child Support Lawyers in Dayton

Contact the child support lawyers in Dayton from The VanNoy firm when you need a child support advocate. We are familiar with the system and will work diligently to get you the support you need for your child. Do not hesitate to contact The VanNoy Firm using our online consultation form today.