Child support covers the necessary costs of raising a child after a separation or divorce. In Ohio, the law outlines what types of expenses fall under this financial responsibility. If you’re unsure what counts, it helps to understand the categories courts typically consider.
Basic living costs
Child support includes basic needs like food, clothing, and shelter. You pay for everyday groceries, clothes for different seasons, and a share of rent or mortgage that houses your child. These daily essentials form the core of what child support covers. Courts expect both parents to contribute to these foundational expenses.
Medical and healthcare expenses
Child support also covers health-related costs. Ohio law requires both parents to contribute to a child’s medical care. This includes health insurance premiums, doctor visits, prescriptions, dental treatments, and sometimes therapy sessions. You and the other parent usually split costs like co-pays, deductibles, and out-of-pocket medical bills.
Educational and childcare expenses
School-related costs count as child support expenses, too. You might pay for books, classroom supplies, uniforms, and school activity fees. If your child attends daycare or an after-school program so you can work or attend school, the court may include these childcare costs in the support amount. Courts base this decision on what’s reasonable and necessary for the child’s care.
Extracurricular activities and transportation
Many children take part in activities like sports, music lessons, or academic clubs. If these activities benefit your child and remain within reason, courts often consider them valid expenses. You might also need to pay for transportation costs, such as gas or bus fare, especially if travel for visitation or school becomes a regular need.
Disagreements about what child support covers can happen. To avoid confusion, keep records and receipts for everything you pay. Write down agreements with the other parent about who covers which expenses. If problems continue, the court can step in and issue a clear ruling. Ohio courts focus on giving your child a consistent and healthy environment.
