Legal Question in Family Law in Ohio

Re: Administartive Hearing To Establish a Support Order

I can not represent you since this case is in Ohio, but I have had a great deal of experience with similar cases here in Missouri, and I can give you some very good advice. First, if you don't respond, or even if you respond without an attorney, it is very likely that a child support Order will be entered against you based upon whatever the mother of the child says and quite likely allowing the consideration of improper evidence! There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that you would be best advised to hire an Ohio attorney experienced in these matters to help you to be sure that you don't wind up with an excessive child support obligation. That attorney can advise you as to how child support is calculated in Ohio, and also whether this administrative Order is subject to Court review. If you can not get an Ohio attorney on the case by the time of your scheduled hearing, I would strongly suggest that you make the call to the administrative agency and request that the scheduled hearing be continued for a brief period of time to allow you an opportunity to obtain legal advice. Of course, if the mother involved in the case would also consent to the hearing being continued that would be helpful. There is no guarantee whatsoever that the agency will honor your request, so do everything you can to get an attorney on it or call the agency with your request as soon as possible. Good luck!