Fair Support Starts With the Right Guidance
Financial support orders can have a lasting impact on both parents and children, and even small changes in income or circumstances can make an order feel unmanageable or unfair. Ohio child support follows statewide guidelines, while spousal support is determined case by case — which means details matter. Vaughn & Associates helps clients across Cleveland and Northeast Ohio establish, modify, and enforce support orders that reflect real financial circumstances and protect long-term stability. Whether you’re seeking support or paying it, we provide clarity, responsiveness, and advocacy you can trust.
Support Matters We Handle
Child Support Calculation & Establishment
Ohio uses statutory guidelines that consider each parent’s income, number of children, parenting time, healthcare costs, and other factors. We help ensure calculations are accurate and fairly reflect your situation from the start.
Spousal Support (Alimony)
Unlike child support, spousal support in Ohio has no fixed formula. We advocate for fair outcomes by analyzing income, earning capacity, length of marriage, standard of living, and other statutory factors.
Support Modification
If you’ve experienced job loss, income changes, relocation, or shifting child needs, we help pursue or defend against modifications to existing child or spousal support orders.
Support Enforcement
When support isn’t being paid as ordered, we act quickly to pursue enforcement through court filings, contempt proceedings, or coordination with the child support enforcement agency.
Termination or Adjustment of Support
Support obligations may end or change due to emancipation, remarriage, retirement, or other qualifying events. We help clients seek appropriate termination or adjustment when the law allows.
What to Expect From Our Team
Support cases are heavily document-driven, and organization is key to success. We start by reviewing income records, prior orders, and any changes in circumstances to determine the best legal strategy. You’ll receive clear explanations, copies of filings, and timely updates at every stage of the process. Our experience in Northeast Ohio courts allows us to anticipate how judges evaluate support issues and when deviations from standard guidelines may be appropriate.
Optional process steps:
01
Support Review
We assess your current or proposed support order and identify concerns.
02
Financial Documentation
We gather income records, expenses, and relevant evidence.
03
Filing or Response
We file motions or respond promptly to protect your interests
04
Negotiation or Hearing
We pursue fair resolutions through negotiation or court advocacy.
05
Final Orders
We ensure the resulting order is clear, enforceable, and understood.
Child vs. Spousal Support at a Glance
Support obligations serve different purposes and are calculated differently under Ohio law. This comparison highlights key distinctions to help you understand what may apply to your case.
| Support Type | How It’s Determined | Common Triggers for Change |
|---|---|---|
| Child Support | Calculated using Ohio guidelines based on income, children, and parenting time. | Income changes, custody changes, healthcare or education expenses. |
| Spousal Support | Determined by the court using multiple statutory factors, not a formula. | Job loss, retirement, remarriage, or significant income shifts. |
| Enforcement | Court or agency action to collect unpaid support. | Missed payments or ongoing non-compliance. |
| Termination | Ends when legal criteria are met (varies by support type). | Emancipation, remarriage, or court-approved modification. |
Not sure how these rules apply to you? We can review your situation and explain your options clearly.
Common Questions About Support in Ohio
How is child support calculated in Ohio?
Ohio uses statewide guidelines that consider both parents’ incomes, number of children, parenting time, healthcare costs, and other statutory factors. We ensure calculations are accurate and complete.
Can I change my child support payments?
Yes, a modification may be possible if there has been a substantial change in circumstances, such as income loss, new employment, or changes in custody or expenses.
How is spousal support determined in a divorce?
Courts consider factors like length of marriage, income, earning capacity, age, health, and standard of living. Because there’s no set formula, experienced advocacy is essential.
What if the other parent isn’t paying support?
You may have enforcement options through the court or child support enforcement agency. We help pursue compliance and protect your rights.
Can support be terminated early?
In some cases, yes — depending on the type of support and specific circumstances. We evaluate eligibility and guide clients through the proper legal steps.
Let’s Make Sure Your Support Order Is Fair
We proudly serve families across Cleveland & Northeast Ohio in child and spousal support matters. Whether you’re seeking support or paying it, we’ll help ensure the outcome is reasonable, accurate, and enforceable.
