Child Support in Stark County

How do I get a child-support order in Stark County, Ohio?

Run the Ohio Child Support Computation Worksheet (use the calculator at ohiochildsupportcalculator.ohio.gov), then file the Stark County 'New Case for Child Support' packet, or set support inside your divorce or dissolution at the Family Court, 110 Central Plaza South, Canton, OH 44702. To change an existing order, file the 'Modification of Child Support' packet — the movant files and serves a worksheet no later than the hearing (Rule 15.03). Orders run through Stark County CSEA, with a Personal Identifier Form and a 2% processing fee added to the payment (Rule 18).

Where to File: Stark County Family Court (Domestic Relations & Juvenile Divisions)

Child Support is the right path if…

• You need a first child-support order, or your current order no longer fits your incomes or parenting time.
• There's been a 10%+ change in the support amount or a substantial change of circumstances.
• You want CSEA to collect support automatically by wage withholding.
• Health-insurance or uninsured-medical responsibility needs to be set or updated.

Filing Fees

Establish: New Case for Child Support packet · Modify: Modification of Child Support packet · Ohio Income Shares Model · 2% CSEA processing fee

Forms & Filing Packets

How to File Child Support in Stark County

1. Run the Ohio Income Shares worksheet. Use ohiochildsupportcalculator.ohio.gov or the county-hosted statutory worksheet, then print and sign it.
2. File the right Stark packet. Use the New Case for Child Support packet to establish, or the Modification of Child Support packet to change an order.
3. Complete the CSEA paperwork. Provide the Personal Identifier Form so CSEA can collect and enforce; support is paid through Ohio Child Support Payment Central.
4. Attend the hearing. Bring an updated worksheet. The magistrate sets or recalculates support and journalizes the order.

Stark County Practice Notes

• Administrative review vs. court motion. You can request an administrative review through Stark County CSEA, file the court's Modification of Child Support packet, or — if you disagree with a CSEA administrative order — file an Objection to CSEA's Administrative Order. Modification movants file and serve a worksheet no later than the hearing (Rule 15.03).
• CSEA paperwork is required on support entries. Under Rule 18, a support order through CSEA needs a confidential Personal Identifier Form, and the entry must state the amount plus a 2% processing fee, any arrearage and repayment, and the effective date. When support is modified, counsel files a time-stamped copy with CSEA through the Clerk — the Clerk won't accept the order without it (Rule 18.03).

Frequently Asked Questions

How does child support enforcement work in Stark County?

Child-support orders run through the Stark County Child Support Enforcement Agency (CSEA). Under Rule 18, a support order through CSEA requires a confidential Personal Identifier Form filed with the Clerk and CSEA, and the entry must state the payment amount plus a 2% processing fee, any arrearage and repayment, and the effective date. Support is paid through Ohio Child Support Payment Central unless cash is processed at Stark County CSEA. When support is modified or custody changes, counsel files a time-stamped copy with CSEA through the Clerk — the Clerk won't accept the order without the CSEA copy (Rule 18.03).

How much does it cost to file in Stark County?

Stark County Family Court deposits (effective March 17, 2025): Complaint for Divorce or Annulment $391 (add $50 for every 5 defendants beyond the first 4); Dissolution $371; Legal Separation $359; a counterclaim or cross-claim $251; reopening a closed case $273; a Custody Register Petition $313; a garnishment $50; and a new Juvenile complaint $307. A Domestic Violence Civil Protection Order takes no deposit. These are minimum deposits — total case costs vary. Pay the Stark County Clerk of Courts (checks payable to 'Stark County Clerk of Courts'); for a total-cost quote call (330) 451-7801.

What is a IV-D application and why do I need one?

A IV-D Application opens a child-support case with your county's Child Support Enforcement Agency (CSEA). Once opened, CSEA collects support through automatic wage withholding, distributes it to the receiving parent, and can enforce the order through license suspension, federal tax intercept, credit reporting, and contempt referrals. Filing a IV-D Application is standard whenever a child-support order is issued.

Do I file in the Domestic Relations or Juvenile Division in Stark County?

Stark County runs a combined Family Court — the Domestic Relations and Juvenile Divisions share one location at 110 Central Plaza South, Suite 670, Canton, and one main number, (330) 451-7415. The Domestic Relations Division (Judge Michelle L. Cordova) handles divorce, dissolution, legal separation, annulment, and the custody and support that travel with them for married parents. The Juvenile Division (Judge Rosemarie A. Hall) handles paternity and custody for never-married parents, plus grandparent / third-party custody. Six shared magistrates hear cases in both divisions.

Free Local Resources in Stark County

• Stark County Family Court Help Desk. Free help for self-represented parties completing and reviewing divorce and custody forms, plus questions on court procedure and notary services. Mondays 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., first come first served; check in with the reception bailiff in the lobby, (330) 451-7415. Help Desk attorneys do not represent you or give legal advice.
• Stark County Family Court — Court Filing Forms & Brochures. The court's assembled filing packets for divorce, dissolution, legal separation, annulment, custody, support, contempt, and protection orders, hosted in the county Document Center at starkcountyohio.gov. The court notes the forms are a resource only and not a substitute for legal advice.
• Stark County Law Library. Public legal-research help at 110 Central Plaza South, Suite 401, Canton, (330) 451-7380, Monday–Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
• Domestic Violence Project, Inc. (DVPI). Shelter, advocacy, and support for those experiencing domestic violence in Stark County. Learn more at dvpi.org.

Other Family-Law Topics in Stark County

• Stark County Divorce — Full filing guide for contested divorce in the Stark County Family Court.
• Stark County Dissolution — Both-parties-agree route — faster and lower-conflict than a divorce.
• Stark County Custody — Married parents file inside divorce; never-married parents file a Juvenile complaint.

Related to your child support case

• Paternity & Custody — Establish parentage and build a parenting plan that protects your children.
• Post-Decree Modification — Update custody, support, or parenting orders after your case ends.
• Spousal Support — Pursue or respond to alimony requests during and after divorce.

Keep exploring

• Ohio Child Support guide — Statewide overview of child support in Ohio.
• Akron family law — Local attorneys and courts serving the Akron metro.
• Meet Stephanie Green — Managing Partner & Family Law Attorney at Gavvl Law.
• Payment plans & financing — Flat fees with Gavvl Direct, Affirm, Klarna, or PayPal Pay Later.