Used in the hospital at the time of birth to voluntarily acknowledge paternity for unwed parents. Completion of the form by both parents enables the father’s information to be included on the child’s birth certificate and becomes legally binding after 60 days unless rescinded. This affidavit can also be completed at the local registrar’s office or at the county CSEA office.

The amount of support that is due for past due payments. Arrears may also be due to court costs, lab fees, processing fees, birth costs, medical costs or attorney fees.

Child Support Enforcement Agency

A condition when at the end of any month an account is more than one month behind in payments. This situation requires the CSEA to take an enforcement action typically resulting in an additional amount of withholding until the deficiency is made up.

An analysis by an accredited laboratory of DNA samples provided by the parties that will indicate parent-child relationship to a very high degree of accuracy.

An order which requires an employer, financial institution or other provider of income to deduct support payments directly from the income/account of the Obligor. The employer/financial institution is allowed to deduct a fee for this service.

Child Support Payment Central. Central lockbox where all child support payments are processed for the entire State of Ohio.

Independence of children from their parents due to age or circumstance. Child support would continue past the age of 18 as long as the child continuously attends any recognized and accredited high school on a full-time basis. No current support obligation will remain in effect beyond the child’s attainment of age 19 unless specifically ordered by the Court.

Title IV-D of the Social Security Act is that portion of the Federal law covering the child support enforcement program.

Public Assistance program administered by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) under Title IV-A of the Federal Social Security Act.

The person whom support is being paid.

The person who is required to pay support.

A service fee required to be charged on payments made through the CSEA. The fee is set by State Law and is currently 2%.

Procedures whereby the Obligors’ federal and state income tax refunds are intercepted and offset against outstanding arrearages.