Bi-Partisan Bill Aims to Support Children with Disabilities in Ohio Divorce Cases

Source: The New Americans Magazine

Introduction: Ohio State Representative Andrea White (R-Kettering) and Rep. Bride Rose Sweeney (D-Westlake) have championed House Bill 338, designed to ensure equitable child support for disabled children post-divorce. The bill addresses inconsistencies in court rulings across Ohio regarding child support for disabled adults.

Key Highlights:

• House Bill 338, passed by the Ohio House, aims to provide clarity and consistency in awarding child support for disabled children over 18 in divorce cases.
• Representative White emphasized the importance of fairness and consistency, ensuring that all children with disabilities, regardless of geographic location or timing of their parents’ divorce, receive the financial support they require.
• The legislation clarifies existing laws, allowing for both initial support awards and modifications based on changing circumstances.
• Ohio families with disabled children face ongoing financial challenges, and the bill seeks to alleviate some of these burdens by providing a legal framework for continued support.
• Representatives White and Sweeney stress the need for bipartisan cooperation in addressing the complex needs of families with disabled children.

Things to Note:

• The bill codifies the definition of child support to include adults with disabilities who are incapable of self-support and whose disability began before turning 18.
• The legislation does not alter how child support is calculated or determined, leaving such decisions within the discretion of judges.

Conclusion: House Bill 338 represents a bipartisan effort to support families with disabled children navigating divorce proceedings. By providing clarity and consistency in child support awards, the bill aims to ensure equitable treatment for all children with disabilities across Ohio.