How Ohio Calculates Child Support
Ohio uses the Income Shares model to determine child support obligations. This page explains the guidelines, formula, and key factors.
Model Type
Income Shares (schedule-based)
Income shares model using combined gross income of both parents. A schedule-based lookup determines the basic child support obligation by combined income and number of children. Each parent pays a proportional share based on their percentage of combined income.
Income Basis & Definitions
gross income (both parents)
Selects the basic child support schedule amount.
Source: §3119.021 schedule by combined gross income and number of childrenGross income as defined by ORC §3119.01.
Source: §3119.01 gross income definitionParenting Time Handling
Shared parenting or extended parenting time may result in deviation from standard guideline amount per §3119.24.
Source: §3119.24 shared parenting deviationDeductions & Adjustments
Court-ordered support for other children is deducted from gross income before applying the schedule.
Source: §3119.02 adjustments to income