Child Support: Common Misconceptions

Child Support and Parenting Time Are Related but Separate
Fathers sometimes believe that paying child support automatically gives them parenting time, or that being denied parenting time excuses nonpayment of support. In most cases, those assumptions are risky. Child support and parenting time are related, but they are separate legal obligations and rights.

When an Ohio court issues a child support order, R.C. § 3119.08 requires the order to include specific provisions for regular, holiday, vacation, parenting time, and special visitation in accordance with applicable Ohio law. This helps ensure that support orders and parenting schedules are addressed together.

A father who is ordered to pay support should comply with the order unless and until it is modified. If his income changes, he loses employment, or the parenting schedule changes substantially, he should seek legal advice about whether a child-support modification is available. Likewise, if the other parent denies parenting time, the father should usually seek enforcement through the court rather than withholding support.

Common Child-Support Issues for Fathers
Support does not replace parenting time: Paying support is important, but it does not automatically create a detailed parenting schedule.
Parenting time does not eliminate support by itself: Even shared parenting may involve child support depending on the parties’ incomes and statutory calculations.
Modification requires action: A father generally needs a new order before paying a different amount.
Nonpayment can affect custody factors: Courts may consider whether a parent failed to make required child-support payments.

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship or constitute legal advice. All attorney’s practice differently. For advice about your situation, consult a qualified Ohio family law attorney.

Colton D. Williams, Esq.
Williams Family Law & Litigation, LLC
Phone: (216) 246-3792
Email: colton@williamsfamilylawlitigation.com
Website: williamsfamilylawlitigation.com