There are a number of reasons why a couple in Ohio may decide to separate and eventually divorce. Sometimes newlyweds come to the conclusion that their marriage was rushed and a mistake. Other times couples that have been married for years and have raised children together decide that they have irreconcilable issues. Whatever the reasons are and no matter how long the couple has been married, divorce happens.
One topic that often accompanies divorce is child support. While parents always have a financial obligation to support their children regardless of their marital status, one county in Ohio recently found themselves in the spotlight for child support success. It seems that Butler County is among the best in the enforcement of child support in Ohio. There are occasions when a parent may fall behind in making payments, but Butler County recently reported that over the course of the year the child support enforcement agency was able to collect a 68 percent of past due accounts—almost $60 million.
Some attribute the successful collection efforts that have taken place in Butler County to their stringent policies. When they cannot collect the money themselves, they turn cases over to the prosecutor’s office. The agency’s executive director reports that they are aggressive, particularly when people are able to make child support payments but they simply refuse. Sometimes parents that refuse to make payments can obtain child support modification, but other times they face jail time.
In a world where economic recession and recovery are a reality for most Americans, it can be challenging to face divorce and the accompanying financial obligations that people have for their children. When a couple divorces and has questions, it may be helpful for them to speak with an experienced attorney.
Source: Fox 19, “SW Ohio county leads in child support efforts,” Dec. 17, 2013