Ohio Divorce with Children
Everything you need to know about divorce with children in Ohio — custody types, child support guidelines, parenting plans, and protecting your children through the process. Updated for 2026.
Types of Custody in Ohio
Legal Custody
The right to make major decisions about your child's education, healthcare, religion, and welfare.
Physical Custody
Determines where the child lives on a day-to-day basis and the parenting time schedule.
"Best Interests of the Child" Factors
Ohio courts consider multiple factors when determining custody arrangements:
Create your parenting plan with guidance
Divorce.ai helps you build a comprehensive parenting plan that meets Ohio court requirements.
Child Support in Ohio
Ohio uses the Income Shares Model under ORC Chapter 3119. Both parents' gross incomes are combined, and each parent's share of the total child support obligation is proportional to their percentage of the combined income. The guideline income table starts at $8,400 combined annual income and increases in $600 increments through $300,000, with six columns for one through six or more children. A self-sufficiency reserve of 116% of the federal poverty level for a single person applies. Worksheets are available for sole/shared parenting and split parenting arrangements through the Ohio JFS website.
Official Ohio child support calculator →Factors Considered
Additional Forms Required (Children)
| Form | Name |
|---|---|
| Form 7 | Complaint for Divorce With Children |
| Form 15 | Judgment Entry -- Decree of Divorce With Children |
| Form 20 | Shared Parenting Plan |
| Form 21 | Parenting Plan |
Mandatory Parenting Course
Ohio requires both parents to complete a parenting education course when filing for divorce with minor children.
Required in both divorce and dissolution cases when minor children are involved. Both parents must complete a court-approved parenting education course. Availability of online courses varies by county -- some counties require in-person attendance. The course must typically be completed before the final hearing or decree.
Typical cost: $50
Protect your children through the process
Divorce.ai helps you create a child-focused parenting plan and prepares all custody-related Ohio forms.
What Goes in a Parenting Plan?
A comprehensive parenting plan should cover:
Regular Parenting Schedule
Week-by-week schedule of where the child lives and when transitions occur.
Holiday & Vacation Schedule
How holidays, school breaks, and vacation time are divided between parents.
Decision-Making Authority
Who makes decisions about education, healthcare, extracurriculars, and religious upbringing.
Communication Rules
How the child communicates with the non-custodial parent (phone, video calls, etc.).
Transportation & Exchange
Who handles pickups/dropoffs and where exchanges occur.
Dispute Resolution
How disagreements about the parenting plan will be resolved (mediation first, then court).
Relocation Rules
Notice requirements and procedure if either parent wants to move.
Tips for Protecting Your Children During Divorce
Never speak negatively about the other parent in front of your children. It puts them in the middle and can harm your custody case.
Maintain routines. Keep school, activities, and daily routines as consistent as possible during the transition.
Communicate openly with your children in age-appropriate ways. Let them know the divorce is not their fault.
Consider counseling. A child therapist can help children process their emotions during this time.