Sometimes after divorce -- whether for work, new relationships, the need for support or the need to start over -- some people relocate out of state. If these individuals are ordered to pay child support or have orders to receive it, they may have questions about how an out-of-state move will affect those orders. The truth is, all states are required to uphold family law orders, even if they were granted in another state. So, child support orders issued in Ohio or elsewhere will still stand regardless of where each parent lives now or in the future.

What makes this possible? The Uniform Interstate Family Support Act allows states to enforce child support orders, regardless of where the orders were written. For those trying to collect support from a former spouse who relocated out of state, this means that they can seek enforcement assistance from the payer's new state of residence. A few enforcement options available include:

• Wage garnishment
• Prosecution
• Tax refund interception
• Personal and professional license suspension

There are no set instructions for raising children. One Ohio family's needs may be quite different than another. However, when it comes to family law issues, such as divorce, there are certain practical ideas that are applicable in most situations that can help children come to terms with divorce and adapt to their new lifestyles in a healthy manner. 

One of the best things a parent who is concerned about his or her children in divorce can do is to make sure he or she is reaching out for support as needed. If a parent's emotions are all over the place, and a mother or father lacks the emotional energy or stability needed to be a source of support to children, it may have a negative effect on the whole family. On the other hand, when children witness their parent taking steps toward closure and emotional healing, they are more likely to follow suit regarding their own feelings. 

Divorce is hard on children. The way custody arrangements are set up can help make it a little easier for them to deal with how their family dynamic is changing. At some point, Ohio family law courts may even allow them to have a say in terms of who they want to live with.

Giving a child a say when it comes to custody matters is actually a big deal. Not all states offer this. Ohio does, but courts are very careful about when to allow a child's wishes impact a custody outcome.

When divorcing or separating from one's significant other and children are involved, one party will likely have to pay child support. It is generally how it goes. Ohio family law courts just want not make sure children have the financial support they need to be taken care of. Unfortunately, the child support issue can be a bit confusing. This column will address the basics of how child support works in Ohio.

Every state has a specific calculation for figuring out a base child support amount. The court will look at how many children require support, how much each parent makes and how much time the children will spend with each parent. All forms of income are considered when figuring out one's support obligation. Once this base amount is determined, the court may increase how much the paying parent is responsible for depending on any extra needs of the affected children and what standard of living the children were used to when their parents were together.