Child custody and support are some of the most contentious issues in a divorce. When parents share custody, it can also raise other questions.
Do you have to pay child support if you have 50/50 custody in Ohio?
Some may believe that eliminates the need for child support payments. However, this is not always the case. Let’s look at why a parent may still need to pay for child support even if they split custody.
What Is 50/50 Custody?
With a 50/50 custody arrangement, both parents share equal parenting time and responsibilities. With that, the child spends equal time with each parent. Does that end financial obligations?
Ohio calculates child support based on the combined income of both parents and the proportional contributions of each person. Some other factors include:
- The number of children
- Healthcare and childcare expenses
- Special needs or extraordinary expenses of the child
Both parents are responsible for providing financial support, no matter the custody arrangements. For 50/50 custody cases, the court will examine how the child’s financial needs will be met in both households.
What Happens If There Are Income Disparities?
In some cases, one parent earns more than the other. Even with equal custody, the higher-earning parent may be required to pay child support to ensure the child enjoys a comparable standard of living in both households. The court wants to balance the child’s quality of life across both homes.
In these situations, the parent with the higher income is often deemed the “obligor” and may be required to make child support payments. That can even occur in a 50/50 custody scenario.
Child Support Adjustments
When parents agree to a 50/50 custody arrangement, they create a shared parenting plan outlining how expenses will be divided.
Sometimes, these plans can reduce or eliminate the need for traditional child support payments. However, this is not automatic. The court will need to determine if the plan addresses the child’s financial needs. For example, if there are any discrepancies in income or expense-sharing, the court may order child support to equalize the child’s quality of life.
Healthcare, Education, and Extracurricular Costs
Child-related expenses can often extend beyond basic needs. Many times, health insurance, medical expenses, private school tuition, or extracurricular activities are shared between parents.
Once again, the parents can outline these expenses in the parenting plan. If an agreement cannot be reached, the court may assign these costs based on each parent’s income and ability to contribute.
Can Modifications Be Made?
Remember that child support orders are not set in stone. A parent’s loss of income, increased expenses, or a change in the child’s needs may require child support modification. Under these circumstances, a parent must file a motion with the court and demonstrate a substantial change in their financial situation.
50/50 Custody and Child Support Myths
Unfortunately, many believe that shared parenting means they will not have to provide child support. But that is not true. Shared custody can reduce the amount of financial support, but it does not alleviate a parent’s responsibility. Ohio law ensures that the child can access sufficient resources in both households.
In Ohio, having 50/50 custody does not automatically absolve parents of child support obligations. Even in these equal custody arrangements, child support may be required to make sure the child has financial stability and equitable living conditions across both households.
If you would like to learn more about child custody and support in Ohio, contact Axelrod Law Office in Lake County, OH. Call our office at (440) 271-8126 or submit a contact form to schedule a free, confidential legal consultation.