Child Support

  • Child support is the second largest source of income for single parent families, making up 31% of their total income.
  • For every dollar expended, we collected $6.27 in support payments. This exceeds the national average by over 36%.
  • The Ohio child support program touches more children than any other public program in Ohio, except public education.
  • OVER 2 BILLION DOLLARS COLLECTED PER YEAR
  • Over $7 million was collected through bank account seizures.
  • Over $575,000 was collected to release 144 passports.13% of Ohio’s child support caseload includes parents currently participating in traditional public assistance, or Ohio Works First(OWF).
  • Nearly 40% have received OWF in the past.
  • 47% of the cases have never received OWF.Ohio established paternity for over 62,000 children born to unmarried parents.
  • Ohio’s caseload is over 956,000 and serves over one million children, which makes us the third largest caseload in the nartion.
  • Most Statistics are from FFY2006.

Common terms

Obligee:
Any person, including a state or political subdivision, to whom a duty of support is owed.

Cash Medical:
An amount ordered to be paid in a child support order toward the cost of health insurance provided by a public entity, another parent, or a person with whom the child resides, through employment or otherwise, or for other medical costs not covered by insurance.
NOIW:
Notice of Income Withholding - A notice that requires an employer, financial institution, or other party to deduct support payments directly from the income of the obligor.
FIDM:
Financial Institution Data Match - A tool of enforcement that cross-references account information.

CSPC:
Child Support Payment Central- The state's centralized collections and disbursement system.

Default Case:
Any case that has fallen behind by a least one month of support obligation.

SETS:
Support Enforcement Tracking System - A statewide computer system for child support.

Arrearage:
Delinquent or past-due support.

Administrative Fee:
A service fee required by State law, 2% of the ordered payment, paid by the obligor.

IV-D:
(Pronounced "4 D") - A section of Federal law that authorizes enforcement remedies to collect support and provides Federal funding for the local agency.

CSEA:
Child Support Enforcement Agency - The county office of child support services.

OCS:
Office of Child Support - The State office of child support, under the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, ODJFS.

OCSE:
Office of Child Support Enforcement - The Federal office of Child Support.

OCDA:
Ohio CSEA Directors' Association - A professional association dedicated to strengthening Ohio's child support program.

Forms

Services

Location Services

The CSEA can assist in finding where a non-custodial parent is currently residing or working. In order to establish the paternity, establish a support order, or enforce a child support order, the CSEA must be able to successfully serve the parties on a case with all notices and legal documents. Every court order requires that parties provide the CSEA with correct address and employment information. Address Change Form & Employment Form If you have any information regarding a person who refuses to pay their child support please contact our 24 hour/ 7 day a week anonymous tip line at (513) 695-1569 regarding any information that would assist our agency in enforcing the child support case.

I think the children's mother/father is still in the area. What information does your agency need from me to help find this person?
Most important, the CSEA needs the social security number and current employer's name and address; also helpful are the names, addresses, and phone numbers of any relatives, friends, or past employers who might know where he/she works or lives. Please provide any information you may have regarding the following affiliations; unions, local clubs or organizations.

What happens when the CSEA has confirmed a current address?
Upon verification through either a postal or employer verification the investigator will update SETS (Support Enforcement Tracking System). Once SETS is updated all letters, notices, or legal documents will be sent to the appropriate home address and wage withholdings will be sent to any verified employers.

What tools are available to help locate non custodial parents when they have failed to provide address or employment information?
  • New Hire Report
  • Credit Bureau Inquires
  • Bureau of Motor Vehicles
  • Subpoenas
  • Postal verifications
  • Employment verifications
  • Internet and Databases
What happens to my case if the CSEA is unable to locate the non custodial parent?
The Fairfield County CSEA will utilize all available tools to locate the non custodial parent. Many of our enforcement techniques require a valid address in order for the CSEA to proceed. It is imperative that you provide our agency with any information that would assist our investigators in locating the non custodial parent.

Establishing Paternity

Establishing Legal Father/Child Relationship and Duty of Support. Genetic Tests are Recommended to Establish Paternity.

What are the benefits of establishing paternity?
Paternity establishment can provide basic emotional, social and economic ties between a father and his child. Once paternity is established legally, a child gains legal rights and privileges. Among these may be rights to inheritance, rights to the father's medical and life insurance benefits, social security and possibly veterans' benefits. The child also has a chance to develop a relationship with the father, and to develop a sense of identity and connection to the "other half" of his or her family.

What will the caseworker need to know to try to establish paternity?
The caseworker needs as much information as you can give about the alleged father(s) and the facts about your relationship(s), your pregnancy, and the birth of your child. Some of these questions may be personal. The CSEA must keep the information that you give confidential. The CSEA requires the party seeking support to complete a questionnaire. You may need to provide birth certificates, proof of marriage, or court orders depending on the facts of your case.

What if he denies he is the father, or he's not sure?
Paternity can be determined by the evidence presented in court, including highly accurate tests conducted on the man, mother and child. Genetic test results indicate a probability of paternity and can establish a legal presumption of paternity. These tests can exclude a wrongly accused man and can also indicate the likelihood of paternity if he is not excluded. All parties in a contested paternity case must submit to genetic tests at the request of either party.

What happens if I am not sure who the father is?
The more information that is provided to the CSEA, the better the chances that paternity may be established. When more than one man could be the father of a baby, each may be required to take a genetic test. These tests are highly accurate, and it is almost always possible to determine who fathered a baby and to rule out anyone who did not.

Who can request paternity establishment services from the CSEA?
Either the mother, father, legal guardian, the child born out of wedlock, or the man alleging to be the father may request the establishment of paternity through the CSEA for a child born out of wedlock for whom paternity has not been determined.
How is paternity established?

Paternity can be established in Ohio by Paternity Affidavit, by an Administrative Order based on genetic testing results, or by Court Order. See also, "Who is a presumed father?".

When and where is the paternity acknowledgement signed?
When the child is born, the hospital should offer to assist with the signing of the Paternity Acknowledgement Affidavit. If both parents are willing to sign and paternity is not an issue, the hospital will assist you with completing the form and they will forward it to the Central Paternity Registry, free of charge. If anyone is presumed to be the father or if both parents are not willing to sign the document then the hospital can not assist with the signing of the Paternity Acknowledgement Affidavit. Keep in mind that this is a legally binding document, signed under oath. Please read it carefully and provide only truthful information.

If the Paternity Acknowledgement is not signed, the alleged father's name will not appear on the birth certificate. If the mother of the child is married, the name of the husband will appear on the birth certificate, without the need for the husband to sign an Acknowledgement Affidavit. The same conditions apply for filling out the form at the CSEA that apply at the hospital. If the Paternity Acknowledgement is signed and notarized at the CSEA the CSEA will send the document to the Central Paternity Registry at no cost to you. The CSEA strongly encourages genetic testing when a Paternity Acknowledgement has not been signed.

Can I change my mind after the Paternity Acknowledgement is signed?
Either party may rescind the Paternity Acknowledgement Affidavit no later than 60 days after the date of the latest signature. After 60 days, an Acknowledgment is considered final and cannot be changed through the CSEA.

Who is an alleged father?
An alleged father is any man who had sexual intercourse with the mother 30 days before and 30 days after the probable period of conception.

Who is a presumed father?
A man is presumed to be the natural father of a child when a final and enforceable determination of paternity does not exist and:
  • The man and child's mother are married to each other and the child is born during the marriage;
  • The man and the child's mother are married to each other and the child is born after the man and the child's mother file a separation agreement in court;
  • The man and the child's mother have been married to each other and the child is born within 300 days after the marriage is terminated by death, annulment, divorce, or dissolution;
  • The man and the child's mother attempted, before the child's birth, to marry each other by a marriage that was solemnized in apparent compliance with the law of the state in which the marriage took place, the marriage is or could be declared invalid.
What if there are more then one presumed and/or alleged father's?
The CSEA will make every attempt to notify all presumed and/or alleged father's of a date and time for genetic testing. A genetic sample will likely be drawn from the parties who are present. All parties may be tested at separate times.

Who is an established father?
A man who has been declared by a court or administrative order to be the father of a child or a man who has signed the Paternity Acknowledgement and 60 days have passed.

How does genetic testing work?
Genetic testing is a quick and painless way to establish paternity. The CSEA generally uses the buccal swab (a large cotton swab) method by which a genetic sample can be collected by swabbing the inner facial cheek. The samples are collected by a trained technician.
How long will it take to get the results of my genetic testing?

Generally it takes three to four weeks to complete once the last necessary party is tested. The parties will receive copies of the test results and the administrative order depending on the results.

What is the cost for genetic testing?
If paternity has not already been established there is no cost for genetic testing. If paternity has previously been established by any method, you may be required to pay for testing.

How will the genetic test results be issued?
The results will be issued through regular mail. Please keep the CSEA updated with any changes in address so that all paperwork will be received. Please read all of your paperwork.

What will happen when the genetic test results come back?
The state of Ohio requires a finding of 99% or higher to establish paternity. Upon receipt of a genetic test result of 99% or higher the CSEA will then issue an administrative order of paternity and would likely set the case for an administrative child support hearing. If the result is returned at 0.00% then the CSEA would issue an administrative order of non-paternity and then close the case for the alleged father. Although this is rare, if the results are between 1% and 98.9% the results are considered inconclusive, normally this means that one of the parties submitted an invalid genetic sample. If this occurs the case would then be referred for legal action.

Establishing Child and Medical Support Orders

Upon establishing paternity, or upon the absence of a parent from the home, the CSEA can assist you in obtaining a support order. The CSEA also establishes and enforces orders for parents to obtain and maintain health insurance coverage for the children.

How does the caseworker find out about the other parent's income or assets?
The CSEA caseworker will conduct a pre-administrative hearing interview to identify the parent's employment and any other sources of income. The CSEA may need to impute potential income under certain circumstances. In addition, the CSEA may be able to verify income by accessing some governmental databases.

What happens at the administrative hearing for support?
If both parties are present at the hearing, the Administrative Hearing Officer will go over the income information and ask questions related to the Child Support Worksheet. The Administrative Hearing Officer will run the worksheet and will clearly explain the amount of support to be ordered and medical order information. If the party is unemployed, the Administrative Hearing Officer may choose to issue a Seek Work Order. An Administrative Order will be sent. Each party has objection rights to the Administrative Order. The CSEA does not have the authority to deviate from the child support guidelines, to issue any orders with respect to parenting time, or to allocate the tax exemption. These matters will not be addressed at the hearing.

How is the amount of support determined?
The law requires all orders for support to be calculated using the Ohio Child Support Guidelines. The Ohio Support Guidelines and Worksheet can be found in the Ohio Revised Code 3119.01. The Administrative Hearing Officer will use the Ohio Child Support Guidelines and Worksheet to calculate the amount of support to be ordered. Parties will be asked to provide verification of all relevant information including income information, proof of health insurance costs and availability, and child care costs. A more specific list of requested information will be sent to each party before the hearing.

Does the Worksheet factor in bills such as rent, mortgage, credit cards, clothing expenses, etc?
The answer to this question is generally no. These amounts are not included on the Ohio Child Support Guidelines worksheet. The Child Support Guidelines tables were developed using cost of living studies and include information about typical living expenses. The Administrative Hearing Officer is required to follow the Ohio Child Support Guidelines and Worksheet and is not permitted to deviate. Generally, the courts have a greater discretion in deviating from the Ohio Child Support Guideline and Worksheet formula. If you disagree with the Administrative Order that the CSEA has issued you have the right to object.

Whose income is considered when calculating child support?
Only the incomes of the parents are considered when calculating child support. The only exception to this is when both parents are minors, in which the incomes of the grandparents may be considered.

What if one or both of the parties are unemployed at the time the order is being established?
The Administrative Hearing Officer has discretion with this matter. The Hearing Officer may choose to impute income to either or both parties and calculate support based on that information. The Administrative Hearing Officer may also choose to issue a Seek Work Order, which orders individuals to appear at Workforce One on a specific date and time until employment is secured.

Will the Administrative Hearing Officer retroactively order child support?
The answer to this question is no. It is the standard practice of the CSEA Hearing Officer to set the effective date the same date as the Administrative Hearing. Parties are free to seek legal counsel to pursue this request further.

Collection of Child Support and Payments

The state of Ohio has implemented a centralized collection and disbursement process, Ohio Child Support Payment Central (CSPC). The centralized system was mandated by the federal government under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996.

Why is the amount of my check different or less than usual?
Once the full current child support obligation and arrearage order is satisfied for the month the administrative fees that are owed are then taken from the payment. Often this means that the custodial parent will get a smaller check at the end of the month when processing fees are deducted.

What if my child support check gets lost in the mail?
Please allow at least 14 days since the date that the check was issued then contact the CSEA for a stop payment affidavit. You can have all of your payments directly deposited to a bank account by completing a request form.

Where do I send my payment?
For all payments please include the following:
  • The SETS number
  • The Case number
  • Payor/Obligor's Name and Social Security Number
  • Amount for each case, if more than one
For individual obligors, payments should be mailed to:
Ohio Child Support Payment Central
P. O. Box 182372
Columbus, Ohio 43218-2372

For employers, payments should be mailed to:
Ohio Child Support Payment Central
P. O. Box 182394
Columbus, Ohio 43218-2394

For recoupments, payments should be mailed to: (please include your recoupment case number)
Ohio Child Support Payment Central
P. O. Box 182380
Columbus, Ohio 43218-2380

Exact change, cash only payments may be made at:
Fairfield County CSEA
239 East Main Street
Lancaster, Ohio 43130

Payments may be made during normal business hours

Want to keep track of your payments online?
Online payment options:
Ohio E-QuickPay Card
Where do I call regarding whether my payments have posted?
Please call the Ohio Office of Child Support voice response unit (VRU) at 1-800-860-2555.

What if I mistakenly mail my payment to the CSEA instead of Ohio Child Support Payment Central (OCSPC)?
The CSEA will forward the payment to Columbus. This will cause a delay in the amount of time it takes for your payment to process. If this becomes a regular occurrence our agency will contact you to correct this situation.

How long does it take for payments to begin once an Income Withholding is sent?
Typically the process takes 2-4 weeks, and depends on your payroll schedule. You must continue to pay on your own until your wage withholding becomes effective.

Is there a limit to the amount of money that can be taken from my paycheck for child support?
The amount that can be withheld from an employee's disposable wages is limited by the Federal Consumer Credit Protection Act to 50 percent of disposable earnings if an obligated parent has a second family and 60 percent if there is no second family. These limits are each increased by 5 percent (to 55% and 65%) if payments are in arrears for a period equal to 12 weeks or more. This does not relieve you from paying your entire child support order.

What if I am self employed, how can I have my payments withheld?
The CSEA can assist with the set up of a direct withdrawal from your bank account. Please complete the form and submit it to the agency.

How long will it take the payment to process?
The CSEA does not process the payments All payments are processed through the CSPC (Child Support Payment Central). Generally there is a two day turnaround time for processing payments.

Enforcement of Support Orders

Upon obtaining a child and medical support order, the CSEA will enforce the order. Enforcement methods include but are not limited to: contacting the non-custodial parent by mail or phone, obtaining wage or income withholding orders, intercepting bonuses and income tax refunds, seizing bank or brokerage accounts, suspension of driving, recreational or professional licenses, and brining legal action against the non custodial parent.

What does it mean to be in default of a Child Support Order?
If you get behind at least one full month in child support payments, you are in default. You will be notified via mail with a Default Notice. Upon receipt of this notice, if you do not agree that you are in default, you may request an administrative hearing. A final and enforceable determination of default has consequences, please read further.

What Administrative Enforcement Measures can the CSEA take?
If a final and enforceable determination of default has occurred on a case the CSEA may utilize any or all of the following administrative enforcement techniques:
  • Wage Withholding
  • Intercepting federal and state tax refunds
  • Reporting delinquent accounts to the credit bureau
  • Suspending drivers, recreational and professional licenses
  • Wanted Posters
  • Freezing and Seizing assets held in a financial institution through the Financial Data Match Program (FIDM)
  • Placing liens on certain property
  • Issuing an order to seek work

In addition to these administrative enforcement tools the CSEA may also take judicial action through civil contempt charges or criminal non-support.

My child is over 18 and my ex owes arrearages. Will the CSEA collect this money for me?
Yes, our agency will collect all back child support until paid in full. Different rules apply to court orders from other states, please contact our Interstate

What if the other party is collecting unemployment compensation. Can child support payments be deducted and sent to me?
Yes, Unemployment compensation and other State and Federal benefits can be withheld for child support.

Interstate Enforcement

Interstate child support cases are governed by the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA). Each state has enacted this uniform law. Federal law requires states to work through the necessary steps that lead to enforcement within specific time frames.

Interstate actions may be necessary when the assistance of another State's Child Support Agency is needed to successfully establish orders, enforce and/or modify orders. When an Interstate Action is necessary, child support agencies work these cases cooperating under the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA).

How do I know if my case should be an Interstate case?
The CSEA will exhaust all efforts to enforce your case even if the other party has moved out of state. Upon a decision made by our agency the process of Interstate Action may begin.

How long does the process take?
This varies, depending on what action is requested. Sometimes the process can take 6 months to 1 year or more. The CSEA will keep you notified as to the status of your case and will closely monitor the progress. Our agency has specialized investigators who work all Interstate Cases.

Can I have my support order modified if there are other states involved?
Yes, either party may seek a modification of an order issued in any state no matter where they live. Issues regarding which state has authority to modify an order can be complicated. Your CSEA has tools available to make the assessment for you.

How do I get my Child Support Order enforced if the other party no longer lives in the state that issued the order?
The CSEA can help you with enforcement no matter where the order was issued and no matter where the obligor resides within the United States. The CSEA has the tools available to asses whether one-state or two-state interstate process will be most effective. You can help the CSEA with making these decisions by providing the most current address and employment information for the obligor. If the other party lives in a foreign country, please ask the CSEA whether that foreign country cooperates with the U.S. to establish and enforce support.

Do I have to use the services of the Child Support Agency that issued my order?
The Obligee may choose to work with their local CSEA or work directly with the State which issued the order. The Obligee should choose one or the other to avoid any confusion. If more than one state is involved with your case please communicate your decision clearly to all states involved.

What happens if I have been served to appear at a hearing in another state? Do I have to travel?
Please read your paperwork carefully. Generally you will not have to travel to another state to attend child support hearings, however if the paperwork says that you are "Ordered to Appear" or any similar statement you may be required to appear. Some states allow a party to participate in a hearing through telephone testimony. If you are scheduled to appear at an out-of-state hearing, please contact your local CSEA for more details.

What happens if I disagree with the outcome of the hearing results rendered by another state? Can I object?
If you do not agree with the decision rendered by another state an appeal may be possible. You must notify the CSEA immediately because there are time limits set for filing an appeal. The CSEA does not personally represent either party so you may choose to obtain your own legal representation. If the CSEA considers the decision to be proper under the applicable law, the CSEA will not appeal/object.

My Child Support Account

How long can I collect child support payments?
Current state law generally provides that child support continues until a child reaches the age of 18 and continues beyond age 18 so long as the child is attending an accredited high school on a full-time basis. Child support terminates when a child reaches the age of 19 regardless of school enrollment, unless otherwise stated in an original order. Generally, the earliest date for termination of a support order is the month and year in which a child reaches the age of majority.

What happens if I made some direct payments to the custodial parent?
Any support that is ordered by the CSEA or the court should always be paid through the CSEA and direct payments will be considered a gift.

What if I disagree with the account balances shown by the CSEA or State records?
You may request an account audit. If you give a valid reason for requesting an audit, the CSEA will then audit your case. Not all request will be granted.

What is an Audit?
Generally an audit involves a review of all court orders that set and modify your support order or support balances. The auditor will then verify that the proper amount of support has been charged and verify that credit has been given for all support paid through the CSEA and/or credited by court order. Sometimes manual calculations are performed to verify calculations made by the computer system. The verified balance is then issued to the parties.

Modification of Child Support Orders

Your child support order and medical support order may be reviewed every 36 months at the request of either party.

When and why should I ask for a modification?
A modification may be requested every 36 months from the time the previous order was filed .  The State Office of Child Support will send notification via mail that your case qualifies for the 36 month review.  You may also request a modification prior to the 36 month timeframe when the following criteria applies:
  • The existing order established a minimum or a reduced amount of support based on the Child Support Guidelines due to the unemployment or underemployment of the obligor and the obligor is no longer unemployed or underemployed.  The requesting party must provide to the CSEA relevant evidence or information supporting an allegation of the change in the obligor's employment status.
  • You or the other party are unemployed or laid off, the unemployment or lay off is beyond the party's control, and the unemployment or lay off has continued uninterrupted for thirty consecutive days.  The party requesting the administrative review must provide to the CSEA relevant evidence of the unemployment or layoff, including the unemployment or lay off is beyond the party's control.  If the amount of the existing support order was calculated based on the annualized income of an individual who is employed in a seasonal occupation, and the cause of the request for a review is seasonal lay off, then the party does not meet the criteria for an administrative review under this section.
  • You or the other party are unemployed due to a plant closing or mass layoff as defined in the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN), 26 U.S.C 2101 et seq.  The administrative review request may only be made after the worker's last day of employment.  The worker must provide to the CSEA a copy of the notice of the plant closing or mass layoff provided pursuant to the WARN Act.
  • You or the other party are permanently disabled reducing his or her earnings ability.  The requestor must provide to the CSEA verification of receipt of benefits administered by the Social Security Administration due to the disability and/or a physician's complete diagnosis and permanent disability determination.
  • You or the other party are institutionalized or incarcerated and cannot pay support for the duration of the child's minority and no income or assets are available to the party which could be levied or attached for support.  The requestor must provide evidence of the institution or incarceration and the inability to pay support during the child's minority.
  • You or the other party have experienced a thirty percent decrease, which is beyond the party's control, or a thirty percent increase in gross income or income-producing assets for a period of at least six months and which can reasonably be expected to continue for an extended period of time.  The party requesting the administrative review must provide to the CSEA relevant evidence or information supporting an allegation of a change in status.
  • The order is not in compliance with the guidelines due to the termination of support obligation for a child of the existing support order.
  • The other party and I have a child in common and I want to add that child to an existing administrative child support order or I want to consolidate two or more administrative child support orders for children I have in common with the other party.
  • I want to access available or improved private health insurance coverage that is available for the child.  The requesting party must provide to the CSEA relevant evidence or information supporting the allegation that access to new or improved private health insurance is available.
  • You or the other party have experienced an increase or decrease in the cost of ordered private health insurance coverage or child care for the child which is expected to result in a change of more than ten percent of the child support obligation based on the current Child Support Guidelines calculation.  The requesting party must provide to the CSEA relevant evidence or information supporting an allegation of an increase or decrease in the cost of private health insurance or child care.  If the request is based on a change in the cost of private health insurance, the requesting party must provide to the CSEA evidence regarding the cost of a family plan and the cost of an individual plan.
  • The private health insurance that is currently being provided in accordance with the child support order is no longer reasonable in cost and/or accessible.  The requesting party must provide to the CSEA relevant evidence or information supporting an allegation that the private health insurance is no longer reasonable in cost and/or accessible.
  • I am the obligor and I assert that my annual income is below 150% of the federal poverty level and I should not be ordered to pay cash medial support (the federal poverty guidelines can be found at http://www.aspe.hhs.gov/poverty or by contacting the CSEA).  The obligor must provide to the CSEA relevant evidence or information supporting an allegation that his or her annual gross income is below 150% of the federal poverty guideline.
  • You are the obligor and a member of the uniformed services who has been called to active service for a period more than thirty (30) days.
  • A temporary adjustment order pursuant to 5101:12-60-05.2 of the Ohio Administrative Code was issued, the obligor's term of active military service has ended, and the obligor has provided the CSEA written documentation sufficient to establish that the obligor's employer has violated the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, 38 U.S.C 4301 to 4333.
If a request for a review is made prior to the 36 month timeframe and the CSEA does not receive sufficient evidence supporting the request, the CSEA may deny the request.

How soon will I know if my request has been approved?
The CSEA has 15 days from the date that we receive the request to respond.  When members of the Uniform Services request a temporary adjustment as a result of being called to active duty the CSEA has 3 business days to respond.  The CSEA will send notification of the date of the scheduled desk review or a denial notice if the case does not meet the above listed criteria and it has not been 36 months since the last modification. Each party will be given 45 days to submit the necessary documentation to complete the review.  Upon completion the caseworker will send to both parties the Administrative Recommendation.  A modification can take anywhere from 60-180 days to complete depending on the circumstances of the case. 

Do I need to be present for the Administrative Review?
No, the Administrative Review is a desk review and does not require your presence.

Do I need to send original documents?
No, please send copies of all requested documents.  The CSEA scans/images all documents and destroys all original documents: your originals may be shredded.

What happens if the non requesting party does not send in their documentation for the Administrative Review?
The investigator will send a subpoena to the non requesting party with a specific date for them to submit the documentation.  If the non requesting party still does not provide the CSEA with the documentation, the case will be referred to our legal team and will be set for a court hearing. 

What if I do not agree with the Administrative Recommendation?
Each party has a right to object to the Administrative Recommendation and must submit their objection in writing within 14 days after receiving the recommendation.  Your case will be scheduled for an Administrative Hearing or may be referred directly to court depending on the circumstances.

What should I bring to the Administrative Hearing?
Each party will be given an opportunity to testify to each item on the Guidelines Worksheet.  Each party should bring all documentation that they submitted to the caseworker for the desk review and should bring any new evidence that may be relevant to the case.  The Administrative Hearing Officer will listen to all testimony and re-review all of the documentation before making a decision.  An Administrative Hearing Decision will then be sent to both parties.

What if I do not agree with the Administrative Hearing Decision?
Upon receipt of the Administrative Hearing Decision if you do not agree you may submit an objection within 14 days.  Your case will then be set for a court hearing.

How do I know when the Modification is complete?
The Modification is complete when the final order has been filed with the appropriate court. 

What if I have an Interstate Case (court order from another state)?
Please see the Frequently Asked Questions for Interstate Action.

Order Termination

The CSEA investigates whether there is a reason to change or terminate child support payments. The termination of a support order begins at the request of the custodial parent, non custodial parent, or through CSEA reports.

When should my child support order terminate?
Current state law generally provides that child support continues until a child reaches the age of 18 and continues beyond age 18 so long as the child is attending an accredited high school on a full-time basis. Child support terminates when a child reaches the age of 19 regardless of school enrollment, unless otherwise stated in an original order. Generally, the earliest date for termination of a support order is the month and year in which a child reaches the age of majority.

There are other reasons why a child support order should terminate including:

  • Death of the child
  • Marriage of the child
  • Deportation of the child
  • Emancipation of the child
  • A change in the legal custody of the child
  • Child's enlistment in the armed forces

Other appropriate circumstances may exist as approved by the Court.

How does the CSEA know when to terminate support for the child?
Both parties are responsible to notify the CSEA of any of the above listed criteria that may result in the termination of the support order for a child. The CSEA also works reports that assist in finding cases where termination of a support order may be necessary. If your child will be graduating in May/June please notify the CSEA prior to graduation.
How will I know if a termination is occurring on my case?

The agency has 20 days after notification by a party to complete the investigation. Upon completion, the caseworker will send both parties an Administrative Termination Recommendation or a Notice of Continuation depending on the results of the investigation.

How long does this process take?
The termination process can be lengthy. Each step in the administrative process allows a 30 day objection period for both parties. The process is complete when the final order is filed with the appropriate court. You should anticipate that the process will take 90 days or more.

What if the child is adopted?
Please provide the CSEA with the proof of adoption. This action will result in the termination of the current support obligation, but does not automatically wipe out any delinquent child support payments. Adoption cases are not open to the public, you must provide all necessary paperwork to the CSEA: the CSEA can not obtain records from the courts.

What if the child support obligor dies?
If the party that pays support dies the current support obligation terminates upon the death. Any delinquent payments may be collected from the obligor's estate. The obligee may also want to explore any Social Security death benefits that may be available for the child of the deceased.

What happens when I still owe money or when I have overpaid my case?
The Administrative Termination Recommendation will address both issues. If arrearages are still owed and the current support order is terminating an arrearage repayment amount will be included within the Recommendation and will be ordered to be paid until the arrearage balance is paid in full. Likewise, if the amount of child support has been overpaid, the amount of the overpayment will be included within the Recommendation and a repayment amount will be set to be paid by the Obligee.

I received an Impound Entry what does this mean?
The CSEA utilizes Impound Entries when the last child on the case is terminating. Receipt of an Impound Entry indicates that the case is currently paid-up or overpaid, according to the records of the CSEA, and the continued receipt of child support payments would increase the existing overpayment. The goal of the Impound Entry is to avoid the need to order the Obligee to repay any overpaid child support, to balance the child support account, or to lessen the amount of overpaid child support to be repaid.

What if I do not agree with Administrative Termination Recommendation or the Notice of Continuation?
Both parties have the right to object to the Administrative Termination Recommendation or the Notice of Continuation. The objection must be submitted to the agency within 30 days from the time-stamped date on the recommendation and/or notice. The CSEA will then set the case for an Administrative Hearing or may refer the case to court depending on the circumstances.

What happens at the Administrative Hearing?
The Administrative Hearing will be heard by the Administrative Hearing Officer. Each party will be given an opportunity to testify as to the status of the child. Each party should bring any evidence to the hearing that is relevant to the case. The CSEA Lead Auditor may also be present and may testify to any financial audit which was included in the Administrative Termination Recommendation. The Administrative Hearing Officer will then make a decision and an Administrative Hearing Decision will be sent to both parties.

What if I do not agree with the Administrative Hearing Decision?
Each party has the right to object to the Administrative Hearing Decision. The objection must be submitted to the CSEA within 30 days after the time-stamped date on the decision. Upon receipt of the objection, your case will then be scheduled for a court hearing.

National Medical Support Notice (NMSN)

Overview

Both Court and Administrative Child Support Orders must contain specific information related to the medical support of the child(ren). The CSEA is required to enforce all medical support orders for IV-D(Child Support) cases. Medical support services shall be provided by the CSEA for all OWF (Ohio Works First), IV-E (Foster Care) and Covered Families and Children Medicaid cases receiving Title XIX medical benefits. The signing of a Medicaid application or reapplication constitutes assignment to Child Support Services.

The CSEA must enforce support orders with health insurance coverage, or collect court ordered medical support or birth costs to reimburse Medicaid. None of the assigned support obligation dollars collected can be used to satisfy a medical support obligation unless the support order designates a specific dollar amount for medical purposes.

National Medical Support Notice (NMSN)

The National Medical Support Notice (NMSN) is a federally required tool used to enforce medical support orders for minor children. It is to be used throughout the United States to enroll children in employment-related health insurance coverage. Federal law requires all states to adopt laws requiring use of the NMSN, and Ohio has passed HB 657 for implementation in January, 2003.

The NMSN is only required for employment based insurance coverage. The NMSN must be generated and sent in response to new employment discovered through the New Hire reporting process or employment identified through other sources. The NMSN must be issued within two business days of a new hire match and is sent at the same time as the income withholding for other employment discoveries. The NMSN is sent to the employer of the party who has been ordered to provide the medical insurance.

The NMSN is a 14 page document with instructions for the employer and the health plan administrator. A description of the NMSN and the employer and Plan Administrator duties are described on the ODJFS/OCS Internet site at: http://www.state.oh.us/odjfs/Ocs/employers/medsupp.stm.

I received a Notice of Medical Support Enforcement Activity, what does this mean?
You have received this notice to inform you that the CSEA has sent a copy of the NMSN (National Medical Support Notice) to your employer. The NMSN was sent to your employer because the CSEA has identified you as being ordered by the court to provide medical insurance for your child(ren).

What if I disagree with the Notice of Medical Support Enforcement Activity?
You have a right to request an administrative mistake of fact hearing if you believe you are not the person named by the Notice, or if you have not been ordered to provide medical insurance for your child(ren). Complete and send in the last page of the Notice to the CSEA within 7 business days of the date of the Notice.

Tax Offfset

What Is Tax Offset?
The Tax Offset Program is an enforcement technique that allows for the interception of a non-residential parent’s tax refund to help repay child support debt. Effective October 1, 2007, the law was amended to allow Federal Income Tax Refunds to be offset for past due support owed to any child regardless of their age. Prior to this change in the law, Federal Tax Refunds were only intercepted and sent to the family if the case included a child under the age of 18. Due to this change in the law, Ohio has seen nearly a 600% increase in the amount of child support arrears now eligible for tax offset. Currently, Ohio collects on average 89 million dollars each year from Federal Tax Refunds. Approximately 12 million dollars each year is received from the interception of State Tax Refunds. It is estimated that Ohio may see up to an additional 5 million dollars in refunds pursuant to the change in the law. Specific criteria must be present in order for a case to be eligible for tax offset.

What Is The Criteria To Have A Federal Tax Refund Intercepted?
  • An application for services must be on file with the CSEA.
  • If the non-residential parent (or spouse) filed for bankruptcy before 10/17/05, the case is not eligible for tax offset. Filings after 10/17/05 are eligible pursuant to Congress’ passage of the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention Consumer Protection Act of 2005.
  • A minimum of $500 in unassigned arrears (arrears owed to the family) or $150 in assigned arrears (arrears owed to the State of Ohio) must be owed to be eligible for offset.
  • (If the non-residential parent has more than one case, all arrears combined must meet the minimum submittal amount).
  • If Ohio is the “Responding” state in an Interstate action, only the “Initiating” state may submit for Federal Tax Offset.
  • The case must be delinquent for 30 days or longer after the submission to be eligible for an offset of the refund.
How Will I Know If My Federal Tax Refund Is Being Intercepted To Pay My Arrears?
A case can become eligible for Federal Tax Offset at any time during the year and it is also possible that a case be deleted or the offset amount modified during any time of the year. Once a case is eligible, a Pre-Offset Notice is sent to the Non-Residential Parent. You will have an opportunity to request a Tax Offset Review with the submitting child support agency if you disagree with the information contained in your notice. If the arrearage amount remains eligible for the tax offset program 30 days after the initial submission, the tax refund now becomes eligible for offset. The non-residential parent will also receive notification from the IRS when the actual offset of the refund occurs which will indicate a specific dollar amount that is being forwarded to the county child support agency for a child support debt. At this point, there is no objection/dispute process.

What If My Tax Refund Is More Than My Child Support Arrears?
If the refund amount is greater than the arrears, the non-residential parent will receive the difference, provided there are no other debts that are eligible for federal or state tax offset. Because regular updates are submitted to the IRS and Ohio Department of Taxation, only the amount of the arrears should be sent to the CSEA. (If you pay the child support arrears off yourself to prevent from having your refund intercepted, it is recommended you wait at least 3 weeks to file your tax return from the date the payment was made to avoid having your refund erroneously taken).

As A Residential Parent, How Will I Know If I Am Going To Receive The Other Parties Tax Refund?
If your case meets the criteria listed above, the case will automatically be submitted. There is no official notification mailed to the residential parent notifying them a tax offset will occur or when a tax offset is received. You may contact your county CSEA for specific questions or inquires on tax refunds.

My Spouse And I File A Joint Tax Return. How Can I Prevent My Spouse’S Portion Of The Tax Refund From Being Intercepted To Pay My Child Support Debt?
The current spouse will want to complete and file IRS Form 8379 (Injured Spouse Allocation) with your actual tax return.  The IRS gives the current spouse up to 6 months to file a claim for injured spouse if it is not filed with the initial tax  return. The Ohio Department of Taxation gives the current spouse up to 21 days to file a claim for injured spouse if it is not filed with the actual tax return.

What Is The Criteria To Have A State Income Tax Refund Intercepted?
  • If the non-residential parent (or spouse) filed for bankruptcy before 10/17/05, the case is not eligible for tax offset. Filings after 10/17/05 are eligible pursuant to Congress’ passage of the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention Consumer Protection Act of 2005. the minimum submittal amount)
  • A minimum of $150 (either 3. The case must remain owed to the family or the State of eligible for at least 90 days after Ohio) must be owed to be eligible a Notice is sent to the non-for offset. (If the non-residential residential parent advising him/parent has more than one case, her that the case meets the all arrears combined must meet minimum criteria.
How Will I Know If My State Tax Refund Is Being Intercepted?
Submission of eligible cases is made annually (typically near the end of September) to the Ohio Department of Taxation. If a case does not meet the minimum requirements at the time of the initial submittal, the case will not qualify for State Tax ffset that year. Weekly updates are generated to ODT for those cases initially submitted advising of cases eligible for deletions or decreasing arrears amounts only. A Notice of Ohio Income Tax Refund Offset for Overdue Support is sent to the non-residential parent. This notice provides instructions on how to request a Tax Offset Review if you want to dispute the offset. If no deletion has occurred due to the case no longer being eligible for State Tax Offset 90 days after the initial submission, the tax refund is now eligible for offset.

How Soon Will I Receive The Other Party’S Federal Tax Refund?
The Office of Child Support (Columbus, OH) receives collections from the IRS on a bi-weekly basis. This collection may contain tax refund intercept amounts for hundreds of child support cases throughout the State. Once a collection is received, it takes approximately 30—45 days to complete the processing and post the payments to child support cases.

Federal Tax Refunds are used to pay child support arrears only. No money will be collected and allocated towards current child support. Arrears owed to the State of Ohio will be paid before arrears owed to the family. In addition, if the tax intercept was received from a Joint Tax Return, monies are automatically held for six months from the date of processing.

How Soon Will I Receive The Other Party’S State Tax Refund?
The Office of Child Support (Columbus, OH) receives collections from the Ohio Department of Taxation (ODT) daily during tax season and weekly during non-tax season. Once a collection is received, it takes approximately 30—45 days to complete the processing and post the payments to child support cases. State Tax Refunds will be allocated to current support first, then will allocate to child support arrears. Monies are paid to  either the family or the State depending on whether child support is assigned or unassigned at the time the payment is allocated. If the tax intercept was from a Joint Tax Return, the payment should be disbursed within two business days from date of processing.

Services Not Provided

Unfortunately, the CSEA can not handle all questions/problems that may arise in your case. The following are examples of common questions/requests that may arise that you may need to seek legal counsel or outside assistance with.

  • The CSEA does not address custody or visitation issues.
  • The CSEA does not represent either party.
  • The CSEA does not provide legal advice.
  • The CSEA does not collect unpaid medical bills.
  • The CSEA will not disestablish paternity.
  • The CSEA does not assist with the completion of paperwork or filing of private motions.

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