Modifying Child Support Orders

The Modification process is a review of the current child support obligation which uses the current financial situation of both parties. This process can take several months. The Office of Child Support Services (OCSS) cannot predict if or how your order may change. You will not need to appear for the review.

If the child is currently receiving Ohio Works First benefits and the case meets the 36 months criteria, the order will be reviewed without the request of either party.

An Application for Services is Required for Non-Public Assistance Cases to Start a Modification.

Reasons to Request a Modification

(Proof required by requesting party for reasons 2-15)

36 months since the most recent order was established
Either party is now employed or more gainfully employed
Loss of employment of either party due to a situation beyond their control
Verified disability of either party
Either party has been institutionalized or incarcerated
Either party has experienced a 30% change in their gross income
One or more child(ren) subject to the order has been removed
To assess the availability of health insurance and/or improved coverage
Change in circumstances of original rebuttal of guideline calculation
Combine multiple administrative orders with the same parents into one administrative order
Increase or decrease of health insurance or child care cost which will result in more than 10% change of the current order
Health insurance is no longer accessible or reasonable in cost
Gross income of either party is below one hundred fifty percent (150%) of the Federal poverty level and cash medical should not be ordered
Active military service for more than thirty (30) days
A temporary adjustment has been issued for military service and that service has now ended

If proof is not provided at the time of request, then the request may be denied.

Reasons a Request May be Dismissed

Requesting party fails to submit documents
Requesting party withdraws the request in writing
Pending court action regarding custody or support
Neither party resides in Ohio
Order is not from Cuyahoga County
Arrears Only
Spousal Only

How to Request a Modification

In person
- Office of Child Support Services
  1640 Superior Avenue
  Cleveland, Ohio 44114
The Ohio Child Support Customer Service Portal
By phone, (216) 443-5100
Online form to request a review

Findings and Recommendations

Findings and Recommendations are mailed to both parties. Either party may request a hearing if they disagree with the modification results within 14 days. At the hearing, the requesting party must produce evidence that an error was made in computing the order. If no hearing is requested, the appropriate court will finalize the order.