South Dayton News

State Representatives Andrea White and Bride Rose Sweeney have successfully passed a bill through the Ohio General Assembly to ensure consistent child support awards for children with disabilities in divorce cases. The Senate unanimously supported the legislation on Wednesday.

Currently, Ohio law allows family courts to award child support beyond age 18 when parents divorce before a child reaches adulthood. However, inconsistencies have arisen regarding first-time awards for adults with disabilities unable to care for themselves if their parents divorce after they turn 18.

"Ohio families and some of our most vulnerable citizens are being negatively impacted through inconsistent decisions by family courts," said White. "This legislation will ensure that no matter where you live in Ohio or the timing of your parents’ divorce, your parent will have the ability to ask a judge to consider awarding child support if you have a disabling condition that prevents you from being able to provide for yourself."

House Bill 338 aims to clarify this issue by defining child support eligibility for adults whose disability began before age 18 and who cannot support themselves as adults, irrespective of their parents' divorce timing. The bill permits both initial awards and modifications if circumstances change. It does not alter how support amounts are calculated, leaving these decisions at judges' discretion.

The legislation now awaits the Governor's signature to become law.