FAQ

Now that I have a Child Support order, what am I required to do?
This is your court-ordered child support order, and you must be an active participant in keeping your case current and up to date. It is your responsibility to keep the CSEA informed regarding your personal information including change of address, change of employment, and any other relevant information regarding your case.

Deductions have not begun from my employment source (wage withholding). Should I make a payment and how do I do it?
It is your responsibility to make sure that your court-ordered child support obligation is paid in full each month. You must make a payment to either the child support enforcement agency in person or mail a payment to Ohio Child Support Payment Central. Do not make a payment to the other party directly, direct payments are considered a gift and will not count toward the current obligation.

How can I receive my child support payments?
The CSEA offers payment options including direct deposit into a checking or savings accounts or loaded onto a smiOne Visa card.

What if I cannot make the entire payment for my child support?
Whatever the reason that your court-ordered support amount cannot be paid in full (late, short, loss of employment, change in financial circumstances, etc), you will need to contact the CSEA at 740 670.5998 immediately to speak to the case manager.

My paperwork needs to be notarized and I don’t know where to get that done?
The CSEA has several notaries available free of charge for any documents that you need to file on behalf of your child support case. Please be sure to bring a picture ID.

What if I want to have other people make inquiries on my behalf if I am not able to personally inquire or be there for a hearing, etc?
The CSEA can provide you with a form to designate an authorized representative for you. The authorized representative can make inquiries on your behalf and assist you in understanding your child support case. The authorized representative form must be renewed annually. 

My circumstances have changed since my child support order was established. How can I have my order reviewed?
You can request a review and if your request meets the qualifying factors, a thorough review will be conducted. It is important to provide all necessary documentation that supports the change in the financial circumstances and/or request for a modification. If there is no accompanying documentation that supports the request, your request may be denied due to lack of documentation.

My child is now living with me and I am still paying support. What can I do?
A change in physical custody does not affect your child support order. You must have a legal change of custody filed with the court for an order to change or terminate an existing support order. The CSEA cannot assist in custody issues.

Can I sign away my rights to my child?
Once a parent has been established as the biological parent, only a court action can alleviate a parent of their responsibility to provide for that child.

Areas where the CSEA cannot assist parties:

  • The CSEA cannot address issues of custody or visitation
  • Offer or provide legal advice
  • Represent either party (oblige or obligor) in a court hearing
  • Provide copies of journal entries from Domestic or Juvenile Court
  • Give “credit” for payments that were paid outside of the CSEA as those are considered gifts
  • Discuss a case with a third party without receiving prior approval
  • Establishing spousal support