A mother can request to end child support, but only through the court — not on her own
You cannot simply stop receiving child support or agree with the father to cancel it without a court order. Ohio law treats child support as a right of the child, not a contract between parents that you can waive. If you want to end support, you must file a motion with the court that issued the original order. The judge will consider your request, but will focus on whether ending support serves the child's best interest — not whether you want the money.
The process differs depending on whether the father agrees with you or opposes the change. If he agrees, the case moves faster. If he does not, you will need to show the court a substantial change in circumstances since the order was made — such as a major shift in either parent's income, the child reaching age 18, or a change in custody.
Key Takeaways
- Child support can only be ended by a court order, not by a verbal agreement or written contract between parents.
- You must file a motion to modify or terminate in the same court that issued the original support order.
- If the father agrees to end support, the process is faster; if he opposes it, you must prove a substantial change in circumstances.
- The court's decision is based on the child's best interest, not on what either parent wants.
- Child support automatically ends when the child turns 18, unless the child is still in high school or has a disability.
When child support ends automatically in Ohio
Child support terminates on its own when the child reaches age 18, provided the child is no longer enrolled in high school. If the child is still attending high school at 18, support continues until the child graduates or turns 19, whichever comes first. This is automatic — you do not need to file anything or notify the court.
If the child has a disability that prevents self-support, child support may continue past age 18 or 19. The father can petition the court to end support in this situation, but the burden is on him to prove the child no longer needs it. You would have the chance to respond and present evidence about the child's needs.
How to file a motion to modify or terminate support
Start by contacting the court that issued the original child support order. This is usually the domestic relations court in the county where the order was made. Ask the clerk for the form to request a modification or termination. In many Ohio counties, you can download the form from the court's website or pick it up in person.
The motion must state your reason for the request — for example, the child has turned 18, the father's income has dropped significantly, or you and the father have agreed to end support. Include any documents that support your claim: pay stubs, tax returns, proof of the child's age, or a written agreement if the father consents. File the motion with the court and serve a copy on the father or his attorney.
After you file, the court will schedule a hearing. The timeline varies by county but typically ranges from four to eight weeks. You and the father will have the chance to present evidence and argue your position to the judge.
What happens if the father agrees to end support
If the father consents to terminating or modifying support, the process is simpler and faster. You can file a joint motion — a single document signed by both of you — asking the court to end support. Many judges will approve a joint motion without a hearing, especially if the reason is straightforward (such as the child turning 18 or a written agreement between parents).
Even with his agreement, the court still has discretion to deny the request if the judge believes ending support would harm the child. This is rare when both parents agree, but it can happen. For example, if the child has special needs and the father's support is genuinely necessary, a judge might refuse to terminate it despite both parents' wishes.
What the court considers if the father opposes the change
If the father objects to ending support, you must show the court that circumstances have changed substantially since the order was made. A "substantial change" means something significant enough that the original order no longer reflects reality. Examples include a major job loss or gain, a significant change in custody, the child aging out of support, or a serious illness or disability affecting either parent's ability to pay.
Small changes — such as a modest raise or a minor shift in expenses — usually do not may have access to as substantial. The court will also look at how much time has passed since the order was made. If the order is recent, you will need a more dramatic change to convince the judge to modify it.
During the hearing, you can present pay stubs, tax returns, medical records, or other documents showing the change. The father can do the same to argue against your request. The judge will weigh both sides and decide whether the change is substantial enough to warrant ending or reducing support.
Costs and paperwork involved
Filing a motion to modify or terminate support costs money. Court filing fees in Ohio typically range from $100 to $300, depending on the county. Some courts waive fees for people with very low income; ask the clerk if you may have access to for a fee waiver.
You will need copies of the original child support order, recent pay stubs or tax returns, and any other documents supporting your request. If you and the father have reached an agreement, bring a written statement signed by both of you explaining the terms. If you cannot afford an attorney, contact your county's legal aid office to see if you may have access to for free or low-cost representation.
What happens to back support owed
Ending child support does not erase money the father already owes. If he is behind on payments, those arrears remain his legal obligation even after support is terminated. The court will not forgive back support as part of granting your motion to end future payments.
If you want to forgive arrears (money already owed), you can negotiate that separately with the father and ask the court to approve it as part of the modification order. However, the court may refuse if it believes forgiving the debt harms the child's interests. Some judges will not approve forgiveness of arrears under any circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the father and I just agree to stop child support without going to court?
No. Any agreement between you must be approved by the court in writing. If you stop accepting payments without a court order, the father could face legal consequences, and you may lose the right to collect back support. Always file a motion and get a judge's signature on a modified order.
What if the father stops paying and I want to end support anyway?
You can still file a motion to terminate, but the court will likely require him to pay all arrears before the order ends. Do not simply accept non-payment as a reason to cancel support; instead, file a motion and let the court handle the arrears issue.
Does the child have a say in whether support ends?
The child's preference may matter if the child is a teenager, but it is not the deciding factor. The court focuses on the child's best interest, which includes financial need. A teenager's wish to end support does not override the court's duty to ensure the child is supported.
Can I modify support instead of ending it completely?
Yes. You can file a motion to reduce the amount rather than terminate it entirely. This is common when the father's income drops or custody changes. The same rules about substantial change apply — you must show the court why the current amount no longer fits the circumstances.
How long does it take to get a court order ending support?
If both parents agree, it can take as little as two to four weeks. If the father opposes it, expect four to eight weeks or longer, depending on the court's schedule and how complex the case is. Some cases take several months if either side requests a continuance or additional hearings.