How can a parent legally modify child support in Ohio?

In Ohio, a parent can legally modify child support through a motion to the court that demonstrates a change in circumstances. This legal requirement is essential because child support orders are established by the court and any modifications must also go through the court system to ensure they are enforceable.

A change in circumstances could include various factors, such as a significant change in income for either parent, changes in the needs of the child, or changes in the parenting time arrangements. The court will review the motion and any evidence presented to determine whether the requested modification is justified based on the new circumstances.

Verbal agreements between parents lack the legal enforceability necessary for modifications to child support, since only a court can grant official changes to support orders. Similarly, notifying the child support agency without court involvement does not constitute a legal modification, as the agency's role is to enforce existing orders, not to change them unilaterally. Lastly, while private mediation can be a helpful tool in negotiating child support matters, any resulting agreement still requires court approval to become legally binding. Hence, the appropriate and legal path is to file a motion with the court to change the child support order based on validated changes in circumstances.