Following paternity establishment, the agency will set a hearing to establish support. In Ohio there are two ways to establish support: Administrative and Judicial.
Administrative
- The CSEA helps parents figure out how much child support will be ordered without going to court.
- Parents will meet with a hearing officer either in-person at the CSEA or by phone.
- Information will be requested from both parents. Review your hearing notice for the documents needed and how or when to turn them in.
- Both parties will receive a copy of the amount that is recommended and have an opportunity to object if they do not agree. Please keep your mailing address updated.
- Please contact us with questions.
Judicial
- Parents can go to court for a hearing with a judge who makes a recommendation for the amount of support to be ordered.
- You may contact the CSEA to confirm the date and time of your hearing.
- If child support is ordered during a divorce or dissolution, courts may forward those orders to the CSEA.
Ohio Child Support Guidelines
In Ohio, the amount of child support a parent is ordered to pay depends on the income and assets of both parents. The CSEA or court will use the "Ohio Child Support Guidelines" to determine support amounts.
Next Steps
Once an order has been set, our staff can help you navigate the child support program, connect with community resources, and more.
We encourage parents to:
1. Review the paperwork provided. Contact us with questions you may have.
2. Register for the Ohio Child Support Customer Service Portal which allows you to manage your case online.
3. Update your employment, health insurance, and contact information.
4. If you receive child support, select your preferences through the Ohio Child Support Payment Central.
5. If you pay child support, make a payment using one of the payment options. Paying on your own helps prevent payments fro getting behind.