Review & Adjustment
An administrative review (modification) may be initiated by either party to the support order every thirty six months from the date of the most recent support order.
"Review" means an objective evaluation of information necessary to determine:
(a) The appropriate child support award/obligations based on the application of the Ohio child support guidelines; and
(b) The provision for the child's health care needs through health insurance coverage.
"Adjustment" applies only to the child support provisions of the support order and means:
(a) An upward or downward change in the amount of child support based upon the application of the Ohio child support guidelines; and
(b) A change in the provision for the child's health care needs through health insurance coverage or shared liability of health care costs.
The CSEA shall use the Ohio child support guidelines (hereafter "guidelines") as set forth in Chapter 3119. of the Revised Code and rule 5101:12-45-10 of the Administrative Code as a rebuttable presumption in the administrative review and adjustment of IV-D orders. The CSEA shall not deviate from the use of the guidelines in calculating and recommending a revised amount.
If an administrative review indicates that an adjustment is appropriate, the CSEA must proceed with the adjustment of the order. An adjustment is appropriate when the recommended amount is more than ten percent different than the existing order or if there is a change in the provision of the child's health care needs.
The administrative review and adjustment process does not extend to aspects of the order other than child support and health care needs. The administrative review and adjustment process does not permit adjustments of ancillary provisions of the order such as tax exemptions or the allocation of the parental rights and responsibilities for the care of the child. Spousal support orders are not subject to the administrative review process. Arrearage orders are not subject to the administrative review process.
Certain circumstances may allow either party to initiate an administrative review by submitting the “Request for child support review” form and, if appropriate, the application for IV-D services to the CSEA in the county of jurisdiction sooner than thirty-six months. These are listed on the Review of Child Support Order request form(click to download).
"Evidence" may include but is not limited to a written statement, letter, or affidavit by the requesting party or a person with personal knowledge of the circumstances; a letter or other documentation from the requesting party's current or past employer, pay stubs, other employment records; written communications from the state or county department of job and family services documenting the receipt of or approval of eligibility for public assistance or unemployment compensation benefits; or any other relevant documents.
(You will find the “Review of Child Support Order request form" on the forms page of our website.)