If you have custody of your children but aren’t receiving any financial help from their other parent, a child support attorney from O’Connor, Mikita & Davidson will help. With convenient locations throughout Cincinnati, Ohio, this family law firm has a knowledgeable divorce attorney on staff who will guide you through the petitioning process. Read on for their answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding child support.

Family Law & Child Support FAQs

What If the Judge Does Not Order Child Support?

If the judge does not establish a child support order during the divorce and custody proceedings, you may need to pursue one after the fact. A parent, guardian, or legal custodian may apply for child support. To do so, you may contact your county's local child support enforcement agency CSEA however it is more efficient and quicker to hire a private attorney to pursue this. The staff at the CSEA will be able to help you secure a child support order.

Do I Have to Go to Court to Get a Child Support Order?

In some cases, you can get an order without going to court. For this to happen, you and your child’s other parent must work with the CSEA to determine the type and amount of support that is fair, based on your particular circumstances. If you can agree on an arrangement that your local CSEA approves, you will not need to go to court.

Who Determines the Child Support Amount If We Don't Agree?

If you cannot agree on a reasonable financial arrangement, you must attend a court hearing, where a family law judge will review your case. During this hearing, the court will consider financial affidavits and supporting documentation from both parties, the judge will determine the income of both sides, figure out the percentage of time the child spends with each parent, then calculate the amount using child support guidelines from the Ohio Revised Code.

What Do I Need to Do to Start the Petitioning Process?

There are three ways this can be approached. The custodial parent can file for child support themselves using forms downloaded from the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services. The custodial parent can also contact their local CSEA location, inside your county's Department of Job and Family Services, and begin the process being represented by the state of Ohio. The third course is to contact an attorney to represent your interests to the fullest. The child support process is a difficult path through the court system. Having an attorney who understands the legal system while assisting you, rather than the state or your former spouse, is the best way of ensuring your rights, and the rights of your children, are being supported.

If you’d like to pursue a child support order in Ohio, turn to the team at O’Connor, Mikita & Davidson in Cincinnati. Visit the firm’s website to learn more about their skilled attorneys, and call (513) 793-5279 to schedule an initial consultation with a family law attorney today.