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Ohio Child Support Calculator & Guidelines (2026)

Estimate Ohio child support under Ohio Rev. Code § 3119.021 — Income Shares model, current caps and percentages, with a step-by-step worked example.

Estimate Your Child Support

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Ohio Child Support Rules at a Glance

Guideline model Income Shares
Income basis Gross (pre-tax) income
How it works Both parents’ incomes are combined, a basic obligation is taken from the state’s official schedule, and each parent pays in proportion to their share of combined income.
Caps & limits Schedule covers combined annual income $8,400-$300,000 in $600 rows; above $300,000 courts set support case-by-case with the $300,000 amount as the minimum (ORC 3119.04)
Statute / rule Ohio Rev. Code § 3119.021
Parameters verified 2026-07

Worked Example: $5,000 + $3,000 Income, Two Children

  1. Paying parent’s monthly income: $5,000 - other parent’s: $3,000 - two children, primary custody.
  2. Combined annual income: ($5,000 + $3,000) x 12 = $96,000 - within the schedule range.
  3. Basic obligation from the official Ohio Rev. Code § 3119.021 schedule for two children: $17,425 per year.
  4. Paying parent’s share of combined income: 62.5% - $17,425 x 62.5% / 12 = $908 per month.

Result: $908 per month

Ohio Child Support FAQ

How is child support calculated in Ohio?

Ohio uses the income shares model under Ohio Rev. Code § 3119.021: both parents’ incomes are combined, a basic obligation is determined, and each parent is responsible for their proportional share. Both parents’ incomes are combined, a basic obligation is taken from the state’s official schedule, and each parent pays in proportion to their share of combined income.

Does Ohio use gross or net income for child support?

Ohio calculates support on gross (pre-tax) income as defined in Ohio Rev. Code § 3119.021. Schedule covers combined annual income $8,400-$300,000 in $600 rows; above $300,000 courts set support case-by-case with the $300,000 amount as the minimum (ORC 3119.04).

Can a Ohio court order more or less than the guideline amount?

Yes. The guideline amount under Ohio Rev. Code § 3119.021 is presumptive, not absolute - courts may deviate with written findings for factors like extraordinary medical or educational needs, other children supported, or very high income beyond the guideline range.

How do I apply for or modify child support in Ohio?

Apply through the Ohio child support agency or the family court in your county. Existing orders can be modified on a substantial change in circumstances - typically a significant income change, job loss, or a change in custody. The official calculator/worksheet is linked on this page (jfs.ohio.gov).

Official Ohio Resources

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About This Estimate

Estimate only — not legal advice. Based on Ohio guidelines (Ohio Rev. Code § 3119.021), last verified 2026-07. Courts may deviate. For an official figure use the official Ohio calculator.