Modifying Orders in Licking County
Reviewed by Stephanie Green · Managing Partner & Co-Founder · Last updated June 17, 2026
Licking County, Ohio · Newark
The court that issued your order keeps continuing jurisdiction over later changes, so post-decree motions go back to that court. Modifying the residential parent or shared parenting generally requires a change in circumstances and that the change serves the child's best interest (R.C. 3109.04); parenting-time adjustments use a lower standard, and support can be reviewed on a substantial change.
How do I change a custody or support order in Licking County, Ohio?
File your post-decree motion in the court that issued the original order (the Domestic Relations Court for married/divorced parents, the Probate & Juvenile Court for never-married parents). Changing the residential parent or shared parenting generally requires a change in circumstances plus the child's best interest under R.C. 3109.04; parenting-time adjustments use a lower standard; child support can be modified on a substantial change (often a 10%+ change in the guideline amount). A residential parent who plans to move must file the county Notice of Intent to Relocate. A Domestic Relations post-decree motion is $200; a Juvenile Motion for Further Hearing is $50. Confirm with the Clerk at (740) 670-5400.
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: Licking County Domestic Relations Court
75 East Main Street, Newark, OH 43055Phone: (740) 670-5400
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–Noon and 1:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m.
Website: lickingcounty.gov/depts/domestic/default.htm
e-Filing: https://efileoh.tylertech.cloud/OfsEfsp/ui/landing
Juvenile Branch (Never-Married Parents)
Licking County Probate & Juvenile Court
1 North Park Place, Newark, OH 43055
Phone: (740) 670-5624
Hours: Monday–Friday (call the court to confirm current hours)
Post-Decree Modifications is the right path if…
- There is already a final custody, parenting-time, or support order in place.
- Circumstances have changed since the order (a move, a job/income change, or the children's needs).
- You want to change custody, parenting time, or the support amount — not enforce the order (that's contempt).
- You are filing in the same court that issued the original order.
Filing Fees
Domestic Relations post-decree motion/reopen: $200 · Registration of a foreign decree: $150 · Juvenile Motion for Further Hearing: $50. A fee waiver is available if you can't afford the deposit. Confirm current amounts with the Licking County Clerk of Courts at (740) 670-5400 before filing.
Forms & Filing Packets
Modify a Domestic Relations order — $200 post-decree motion/reopen — confirm with the Clerk
Filed back in the Licking County Domestic Relations Court for married/divorced parents. Reallocating the residential parent needs a change in circumstances plus best interest; support needs a substantial change.
- 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.
- 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.
- Notice of Intent to Relocate (Licking County Domestic Relations Court) — A residential parent who plans to move must file this county notice. The court may then set a hearing on whether parenting time should be adjusted.
Modify a Juvenile Court order — $50 Motion for Further Hearing — confirm with the Clerk
Filed back in the Licking County Probate & Juvenile Court for never-married parents, using a Motion for Further Hearing — the vehicle for most post-decree motions.
- Juvenile Court — Basic Schedule of Court Costs (Licking County) — The Juvenile Court's official cost schedule: a Complaint for Custody is $250.00 and a Motion for Further Hearing (most post-decree motions) is $50.00.
- 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.
- Ohio Child Support Computation Worksheet (2024 Income Shares) — Run the official Ohio Child Support Calculator, print, and sign. Required any time you ask the court to set or change support.
How to File Post-Decree Modifications in Licking County
- Identify the issuing court. Domestic Relations for married/divorced parents; Probate & Juvenile for never-married parents. The motion goes back to that court.
- Confirm a qualifying change. For custody, show a change in circumstances plus best interest. For support, show a substantial change (often 10%+ on the worksheet).
- Prepare the right motion and worksheet. For support, use the Motion for Change of Child Support (Ohio SC Form 28) with a current worksheet. For a planned move, file the county Notice of Intent to Relocate.
- File, pay the deposit, and serve the other party. A Domestic Relations post-decree motion is $200; a Juvenile Motion for Further Hearing is $50. File with the Clerk and serve the other parent.
- Attend the hearing. The court reviews the requested change against the governing standard and enters a new order if the standard is met.
Licking County Practice Notes
- Match the motion to the issuing court. Once a court issues a final order, it keeps continuing jurisdiction over later modifications and enforcement. File your post-decree motion in the same court that entered the original decree or order.
- Different standards for custody vs. parenting time vs. support. Modifying the residential parent or shared parenting generally requires a change in circumstances plus the child's best interest (R.C. 3109.04). Parenting-time adjustments use a lower standard. Child support may be modified on a substantial change — often a 10%+ change in the guideline amount.
- Relocation requires the county notice. A residential parent who intends to move must file the Licking County Notice of Intent to Relocate. The court may then set a hearing on whether parenting time should be adjusted. Out-of-state orders must first be registered (UCCJEA for custody, UIFSA for support).
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I change a custody or support order after it's final in Licking County?
- File a post-decree motion in the court that issued the order. Changing the residential parent or shared parenting generally requires a change in circumstances plus the child's best interest (R.C. 3109.04); parenting-time adjustments use a lower standard; child support can be modified on a substantial change (often a 10%+ change in the guideline amount). A Domestic Relations post-decree motion is $200; a Juvenile Motion for Further Hearing is $50.
- What do I do if I want to move with my child in Licking County?
- A residential parent who intends to move must file the Licking County Notice of Intent to Relocate. The court may then set a hearing on whether parenting time should be adjusted. File it in the court that issued your order, and confirm any added requirements with the Clerk at (740) 670-5400.
- How do I enforce an out-of-state custody or support order in Licking County?
- Out-of-state custody orders are registered under the UCCJEA and out-of-state support orders under UIFSA before Ohio can enforce or modify them. Registration of a foreign decree/judgment requires presenting originals and is NOT eligible for e-filing — it must be filed conventionally. The Domestic Division fee for Registration of a Foreign Decree is $150. Confirm the procedure with the Clerk at (740) 670-5400.
- How much does it cost to file a family-law case in Licking County?
- In the Domestic Relations Court, divorce, dissolution, and parentage are each $400, a counterclaim is $250, a post-decree motion/reopen is $200, and a QDRO is $50. In the Probate & Juvenile Court, a Complaint for Custody is $250.00 and a Motion for Further Hearing is $50.00. A DVCPO petition has no filing fee. If you can't afford the deposit, file a Poverty Affidavit / Affidavit of Indigency. Confirm current amounts with the Clerk at (740) 670-5400.
Free Local Resources in Licking County
- Licking County Clerk of Courts — Domestic Relations. 75 East Main Street, Newark, OH 43055; (740) 670-5400, fax (740) 670-5419. Provides current filing deposits, the Domestic Relations forms, rules & guides page (https://lickingcounty.gov/depts/domestic/forms_rules.htm), and CPO packets. Clerk of Common Pleas: Olivia C. Parkinson.
- Licking County Child Support Enforcement Agency (CSEA). 65 East Main Street, Newark, OH 43055; (740) 670-5998 or 1-800-513-1128 (https://lickingcounty.gov/depts/csea/). Opens IV-D cases, sets and collects support by wage withholding, and enforces orders. CSEA enforces the court's order; it does not represent either parent.
- Parenting seminar — "Helping Children Succeed After Divorce" (The Woodlands). Required for everyone with minor children who files for divorce or dissolution. About 90 minutes online or a 2-hour in-person class. Register at www.thewoodland.org or (740) 349-7066 (online tech support ext. 241).
- Licking County Domestic Relations Mediation. Mediation Coordinator Christopher R. Meyer, (740) 670-5409 (https://lickingcounty.gov/depts/domestic/mediation.htm). Offers assessment and referral to a court-approved mediator for divorce and post-divorce parenting disputes. A domestic-violence victim may decline mediation or bring a support person.
- The Center for New Beginnings (domestic-violence help). Helps victims obtain a protection order and offers free confidential housing and services: (740) 345-4498 or (740) 349-8719, toll-free 1-800-686-2760.
- Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio (SEOLS) — Newark. 15 West Locust Ave., Suite A, Newark, OH 43055; (740) 345-0850 or 1-888-831-9412. Free civil legal help for those who qualify.
Other Family-Law Topics in Licking County
- Licking County Divorce — Full filing guide with forms, the $400 fee, and the parenting seminar.
- Licking County Custody — Where to file when parents are married vs. never married.
- Ohio Child Support Calculator — Run the 2024 Income Shares worksheet yourself.
- Ohio family-law resources — 88-county directory of courts and legal aid.
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
- Ohio Post-Decree Modifications guide — Statewide overview of post-decree modifications in Ohio.
- Columbus family law — Local attorneys and courts serving the Columbus metro.
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