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Child custody and support in Ohio

Custody and child support in a Ohio divorce: the legal term for custody, the parenting class, custody mediation and the child support agency.

Checked against official sources: Oct 24, 2026

The short answer

Ohio law uses the term “allocation of parental rights and responsibilities” for custody. About the parenting class: The court may require parents to attend parenting classes or counseling (Ohio Rev. Code 3109.053); many county courts require one by local rule.

Custody term
Allocation of parental rights and responsibilities
Parenting class
Depends on the court
Child support agency
Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, Office of Child Support

Custody terms in Ohio

Allocation of parental rights and responsibilities (shared parenting or residential parent and legal custodian)

Mediation

Set by each county court's local rules; mediation of parenting issues is common. Ask your Domestic Relations court.

Parenting class in Ohio

The court may require parents to attend parenting classes or counseling (Ohio Rev. Code 3109.053); many county courts require one by local rule.

Child support in Ohio

Child support follows Ohio's guidelines. For help setting up or collecting it, contact the state's child support agency.

Children in a Ohio divorce: what the process includes

  1. Custody

    The court's orders use Ohio's term for custody: allocation of parental rights and responsibilities.

  2. Parenting class

    Take the parenting class described above if Ohio requires it in your case.

  3. Mediation

    If the court sends you to mediation, go to every session; the rule is above.

  4. The child support agency

    For help setting up or collecting support, contact the state's child support agency.

Questions about custody and child support in Ohio

What is child custody called in Ohio?

Ohio uses the term “allocation of parental rights and responsibilities (shared parenting or residential parent and legal custodian)”.

Do parents have to take a class in a Ohio divorce?

The court may require parents to attend parenting classes or counseling (Ohio Rev. Code 3109.053); many county courts require one by local rule.

Which agency handles child support in Ohio?

Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, Office of Child Support.

Is mediation required for custody in Ohio?

Set by each county court's local rules; mediation of parenting issues is common. Ask your Domestic Relations court.

More about divorce in Ohio

Custody and support in nearby states

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.