How do I change a custody or parenting-time order in Hocking County?

File a motion (Form 27 for custody; Form 26 for parenting time) with the required affidavits in the original Common Pleas case (Local Rule 71.03). The fee to modify parental rights/custody is $250.00; reopening a closed case is $150.00. Changing the residential parent for school-placement purposes is a narrower, separate request.

How does the court decide custody in Hocking County?

On the child's best interest under R.C. 3109.04(F)(1), which lists 10+ factors including each parent's wishes, the child's wishes (when of suitable age), the child's adjustment to home/school/community, the mental and physical health of everyone involved, and which parent is more likely to honor court-approved parenting time. A guardian ad litem may be appointed in a contested case.

Hocking County Post-Decree Modification Attorneys

Reviewed by Stephanie Green · Managing Partner & Co-Founder · Last updated June 11, 2026

Hocking County, Ohio · Logan

Life changes after a divorce or dissolution. In Hocking County, you change a custody, parenting-time, or support order by filing in the same Common Pleas case that issued your decree, heard by Magistrate Joe Nemec.

Hire Gavvl for your Hocking County modifications case

Flat-fee and full-representation options: we handle the filings, the Hocking County local forms, the court strategy, and the hearings — and you know the price before we start (flat fees from $950).

Start with a $25 consultation and talk through your options with an Ohio family-law attorney before you commit to anything. Get started online or see payment plans & financing.

How do I change a custody, support, or parenting-time order in Hocking County?

File the right motion in the original Common Pleas case: Form 27 to reallocate custody, Form 26 to change parenting time, or Form 28 to change child support — with the required affidavits (Local Rule 71). The fee to modify parental rights/custody is $250.00; reopening a closed case is $150.00. Custody changes require a change of circumstances (R.C. 3109.04(E)); support changes use R.C. 3119.79 or a CSEA administrative review.

Hocking County custody and support modifications, handled by Gavvl Law

Custody, parenting-time, and support orders can all be changed when life changes — but in Hocking County you have to file back in the same Common Pleas case that issued your decree, using the right form: Form 27 to reallocate custody, Form 26 to change parenting time, or Form 28 to change support (Local Rule 71). Gavvl Law files the correct motion with the affidavits the rule requires, meets the change-of-circumstances standard where it applies, and represents you at a flat fee — or fully when the other parent fights the change.

Meeting the change-of-circumstances bar. A change of legal custody requires both a change of circumstances and a best-interest finding under R.C. 3109.04(E) — a higher bar than simply preferring a new arrangement. We document the change and frame it to that standard, and we handle the narrower school-placement request under Local Rule 71.03 when that's what you actually need.
Fees quoted before we file. Modifying parental rights or custody costs $250, while reopening a closed case is $150, and support and parenting-time changes are filed in the original case. We tell you the applicable fee before we file, and when both sides agree we submit the motion with an Agreed Judgment Entry so it's approved quickly (Local Rule 71.04).
Relocation notice done right. If you're moving with the children, a residential parent must file a Notice of Intent to Relocate at least 90 days before the move except for good cause, with instructions for certified-mail service on the other parent (Local Rule 63.07; R.C. 3109.051(G)). We file it correctly so a move doesn't become a contempt or emergency problem, and we respond when the other parent asks for a hearing.

Every post-decree motion goes back to Magistrate Joe Nemec in the Common Pleas General & Domestic Relations Division, whose decision Judge Jason M. Despetorich reviews on any objection. Because we filed or can read the original decree, we tie the modification directly to what the court already ordered — and offer payment plans on the flat fee so a change of circumstances doesn't wait on cost.

Flat-fee options

Flat-fee limited scope: we draft and file the motion to modify an existing custody, parenting-time, or support order. You appear at any hearing.

Modify custody or parenting time: $1,450
Modify child support: $950

Prefer full representation? An Ohio attorney can carry the entire case on a $3,500 retainer.

Split any flat fee with Gavvl Direct — our in-house plan at 19% APR, $500 minimum — on a 60%-down schedule of 18 weekly, 8 bi-weekly, or 4 monthly payments, or full financing where work begins once 60% is paid. Affirm, Klarna, and PayPal Pay Later are also available through LawPay.

Start your modifications case or see payment plans & financing.

Ohio Custody by the Numbers

Best interest The single standard that governs every Ohio custody decision Source: Ohio Revised Code § 3109.04
No set age There is no age a child can choose a parent — the judge weighs a mature child's wishes Source: Ohio Revised Code § 3109.04(B)
Change in circumstances Required, plus a best-interest finding, before the residential parent can be changed Source: Ohio Revised Code § 3109.04(E)(1)
Shared parenting Either parent may ask the court for a joint parenting plan Source: Ohio Revised Code § 3109.04(G)

Compare Types of Custody in Ohio

Custody type	Who makes major decisions	Where the child lives	Best when
Shared parenting	Both parents jointly, under a written plan	Time is split per the plan (not always 50/50)	Parents can communicate and cooperate on decisions
Sole legal & residential	One parent	Primarily with that parent	One parent is unable or unwilling to co-parent
Split custody	Each parent for the child in their care	Siblings are divided between the two homes	Rare — only when it serves each child's best interest
Legal custody to a non-parent	The relative or caregiver granted custody	With the non-parent caregiver	Neither parent can safely care for the child

Where to File: Hocking County Court of Common Pleas, General & Domestic Relations Division

1 East Main Street
Phone: (740) 385-4027
Hours: Monday–Friday 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Website: Court website

Juvenile Branch (Never-Married Parents)

Hocking County Juvenile Court (Common Pleas, Juvenile Division)
1 East Main Street
Phone: (740) 385-3615
Hours: Monday–Friday 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Post-Decree Modifications is the right path if…

You already have a Hocking County custody, parenting-time, or support order.
Circumstances have changed since the order was entered.
You need to change the residential parent or the parenting schedule.
Your or the other parent's income has changed enough to affect support.
You are planning to move with the children and need to give notice.

Filing Fees

Motion to modify parental rights/custody $250.00 · reopening a closed case $150.00 · support and parenting-time changes filed in the original case · confirm the current amounts with the Clerk at (740) 385-2616.

Forms & Filing Packets

Change custody (residential parent) — $250.00 to modify parental rights/custody; reopening a closed case $150.00

File a Motion for Change of Parental Rights & Responsibilities (Form 27) with the required affidavits in the original case (Local Rule 71.03). A change requires a change of circumstances under R.C. 3109.04(E). Changing the residential parent for school-placement purposes is a narrower, separate request.

Motion for Change of Parental Rights & Responsibilities (Ohio SC Form 27) — Asks the court to reallocate custody after a change of circumstances (R.C. 3109.04(E)). Changing the residential parent for school-placement purposes is a narrower, separate request (Local Rule 71.03).
Parenting Proceeding / UCCJEA Affidavit (Ohio SC Affidavit 3) — Required in any case with minor children. Lists where each child has lived for the last 5 years, confirming Ohio's UCCJEA jurisdiction.
Parenting Supplemental Information Affidavit (Local Rule 63.01) — A Hocking County local affidavit required in any domestic-relations case involving minor children. Available on the Common Pleas Forms page.

Change parenting time — Filed in the original case (confirm any deposit with the Clerk)

File a Motion for Change of Parenting Time (Form 26) with the required affidavits. The court adjusts the schedule on the child's best interest; Local Rule 76 options remain the framework.

Motion for Change of Parenting Time / Companionship (Ohio SC Form 26) — Asks the court to change an existing parenting-time or companionship schedule. File with the required affidavits in the case that issued the order.
Parenting Proceeding / UCCJEA Affidavit (Ohio SC Affidavit 3) — Required in any case with minor children. Lists where each child has lived for the last 5 years, confirming Ohio's UCCJEA jurisdiction.
Parenting Supplemental Information Affidavit (Local Rule 63.01) — A Hocking County local affidavit required in any domestic-relations case involving minor children. Available on the Common Pleas Forms page.

Change child support — Filed in the original case (confirm any deposit with the Clerk)

File a Motion for Change of Child Support (Form 28) under R.C. 3119.79 with an income/expense affidavit and proof of income, or ask the CSEA for an administrative review. The court reviews the health-care order and tax-exemption designation (Local Rule 71.01).

Motion for Change of Child Support (Ohio SC Form 28) — The Ohio uniform motion to change child support, medical support, or the tax exemption after a change of circumstances. File in the division that issued the order.
Affidavit of Income & Expenses (Ohio SC Affidavit 1) — Income, expenses, and basic financial information. Each party files their own. Must be notarized.
Health Insurance Affidavit (Ohio SC Affidavit 4) — Discloses whether health insurance is available for the children through either parent's employer, so the court can order medical support.
Ohio Child Support Computation Worksheet (2024 Income Shares) — Run the official Ohio Child Support Calculator, print, and sign. Required any time the court sets or changes support.

File a relocation notice — Filed in the original case

A residential parent who intends to move must file a Notice of Intent to Relocate with the Clerk (DR Division), with instructions for certified-mail service on the other parent, at least 90 days before the move except for good cause (Local Rule 63.07; R.C. 3109.051(G)).

Notice of Intent to Relocate (Local Rule 63.07) — A residential parent who intends to move must file this notice with the Clerk (DR Division) at least 90 days before the move, with instructions for certified-mail service on the other parent (R.C. 3109.051(G)).

How to File Post-Decree Modifications in Hocking County

Identify what to change. Decide whether you're changing custody (Form 27), parenting time (Form 26), or child support (Form 28), or filing a relocation notice.
Gather proof of the change. Document the change of circumstances and, for support, bring current pay statements, three years of tax returns, and childcare/insurance costs.
File in the original case. File the motion with the required affidavits with the Common Pleas Clerk in the case that issued your decree; pay the applicable fee ($250.00 custody / $150.00 reopen).
Serve and attend the hearing. Serve the other party; the matter is heard by Magistrate Joe Nemec, who issues a decision the judge reviews on any objections.

Hocking County Practice Notes

Custody changes need a change of circumstances. A change of legal custody requires a change of circumstances and a best-interest finding (R.C. 3109.04(E)). Changing the residential parent for school-placement purposes is a narrower, separate request that uses a different standard (Local Rule 71.03).
Agreed changes are easier. If both sides agree, file the motion with the affidavits and an original Agreed Judgment Entry signed by the parties (and counsel) (Local Rule 71.04).
Relocation requires 90-day notice. A residential parent must file a Notice of Intent to Relocate at least 90 days before the move except for good cause (Local Rule 63.07; R.C. 3109.051(G)); the other parent may ask for a hearing on the schedule.
Heard by Magistrate Joe Nemec. Hocking County domestic-relations matters are heard by Magistrate Joe Nemec (Local Rule 10); Judge Jason M. Despetorich reviews the magistrate's decision and rules on any objections.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I change a custody or parenting-time order in Hocking County?: File a motion (Form 27 for custody; Form 26 for parenting time) with the required affidavits in the original Common Pleas case (Local Rule 71.03). The fee to modify parental rights/custody is $250.00; reopening a closed case is $150.00. Changing the residential parent for school-placement purposes is a narrower, separate request.
How do I change child support in Hocking County?: File a Motion for Change of Child Support (Form 28) under R.C. 3119.79 with an income/expense affidavit and proof of income, or ask the CSEA for an administrative review. The court reviews the health-care order and the tax-exemption designation as part of the change (Local Rule 71.01).
Do I have to tell the court if I'm moving with the children?: Yes. A residential parent must file a Notice of Intent to Relocate with the Clerk (DR Division), with instructions for certified-mail service on the other parent, at least 90 days before the intended move except for good cause (Local Rule 63.07; R.C. 3109.051(G)). The other parent may then ask for a hearing on the schedule.
How does the court decide custody in Hocking County?: On the child's best interest under R.C. 3109.04(F)(1), which lists 10+ factors including each parent's wishes, the child's wishes (when of suitable age), the child's adjustment to home/school/community, the mental and physical health of everyone involved, and which parent is more likely to honor court-approved parenting time. A guardian ad litem may be appointed in a contested case.

Free Local Resources in Hocking County

Hocking County DIY Divorce Forms. The Common Pleas Court's do-it-yourself divorce information and form links for self-represented filers: https://hocking.oh.gov/commonpleas/DIY-Divorce-Forms
Hocking County Common Pleas Forms. Domestic-relations forms, including the county Party and Parenting Supplemental Information Affidavits and the Notice of Intent to Relocate: https://hocking.oh.gov/commonpleas/Forms
Hocking County Child Support Enforcement Agency (CSEA). Hocking County DJFS, 350 State Route 664 N, Logan, OH 43138; (740) 385-5663. Establish, modify, collect, and enforce child support (including interstate cases).
Ohio Child Support Calculator. The official 2024 Income Shares calculator used to estimate child support before you file: https://ohiochildsupportcalculator.ohio.gov/
Hocking County Prosecutor — Victim Services & Sheriff. Help filing a protection order: Prosecutor's Office of Victim Services (740) 385-5343; Hocking County Sheriff's Office (740) 385-2131.

Related to your modifications case

Child Support — Calculate, establish, or modify support under Ohio's guidelines.
Paternity & Custody — Establish parentage and build a parenting plan that protects your children.
Spousal Support — Pursue or respond to alimony requests during and after divorce.

Related guides

In-depth, attorney-written guides on modifications and related Ohio family law topics.

Post-Decree Modifications in Ohio: Changing Your Order After Divorce — Your divorce decree isn't carved in stone. When life changes, Ohio lets you modify custody, parenting time, and support — but each requires meeting a specific legal standard. Here's how.
How to Modify Child Support in Ohio — Child support orders aren't permanent. When income or circumstances change substantially, Ohio lets you modify support — through a CSEA review or a court motion. Here's how.
Contempt Motions in Ohio Family Court: Enforcing Your Order — When the other parent ignores a court order — withholding the children or refusing to pay support — a contempt motion is how Ohio courts enforce it. Here's how the process works.

Keep exploring Hocking County family law

Ohio Post-Decree Modifications guide — Statewide overview of post-decree modifications in Ohio.
Columbus family law — Local attorneys and courts serving the Columbus metro.
Hocking County family law guide — Court info, local filing notes, FAQs, and the downloadable Hocking County guide.
Meet Stephanie Green — Managing Partner & Co-Founder at Gavvl Law.
Payment plans & financing — Flat fees with Gavvl Direct, Affirm, Klarna, or PayPal Pay Later.

Call (844) 694-2885 or email support@gavvl.com.