Affidavit of Basic Information, Income, and Expenses (Ohio)

Jurisdiction: Country: United States | Province/State: Ohio

What is an Affidavit of Basic Information, Income, and Expenses (Ohio)?

An Affidavit of Basic Information, Income, and Expenses is a sworn financial statement. You complete it under oath. It lists your personal details, job facts, income sources, deductions, and monthly living costs. Ohio domestic relations and juvenile courts rely on it to make money-related decisions. The court uses it to set temporary support and final support. It also helps the court evaluate fees, parenting costs, and debt payments.

You typically use this form in family law cases. It is common in divorce, legal separation, dissolution, and parentage cases. Unmarried parents use it in custody or child support matters. You will also see it in post-decree motions, such as support modification or enforcement. The court may require it before any hearing that involves money. It gives the judge a full financial picture in a consistent format.

You need this form when the court must decide who pays what. The judge needs to know each person’s gross income, deductions, health insurance costs, and reasonable expenses. Your answers help the court calculate child support under the standard formula. Your details also help the court decide temporary spousal support. If you ask for a deviation from guideline support, your entries give the court the data to evaluate that request. The form also documents changes. If you lost a job or took a new one, you can show the change in a clear and credible way.

Typical usage scenarios

• If you file for divorce and want temporary child support, you attach the affidavit to your motion.
• If the other parent seeks to reduce child support, you complete a current affidavit so the court can compare incomes.
• If you want temporary orders for health insurance or daycare costs, this affidavit supports that ask.
• If you resolve the case by agreement, the affidavit helps counsel and the court confirm the numbers.

In many courts, you cannot have a hearing on support without a current affidavit on file.

When Would You Use an Affidavit of Basic Information, Income, and Expenses (Ohio)?

You use this affidavit when the court needs reliable financial facts fast. You use it at the start of a divorce to request temporary child support. You also use it if you seek temporary spousal support, payment of debts, or insurance coverage. You use it in a parentage case to establish child support. You use it in a custody case if the court must allocate child costs. You use it in a post-decree case to modify child or spousal support. You use it in an enforcement action to show what was ordered and what you can pay. If your case involves a domestic violence order with support, the court may ask for this affidavit to set short-term support.

Both sides use it. A filing spouse completes it with the initial pleadings or with a motion for temporary orders. The other spouse completes it with an answer or a response to a motion. An unmarried parent completes it when asking for support or responding to support claims. A guardian or custodian may need to complete a version if seeking support on a child’s behalf. If you are self-employed, you still use the same form. You add details about business income and expenses. If your income is seasonal or variable, you use the affidavit to present an average over time. If you recently lost a job, you show the date and include your last pay. You also explain current benefits or job search status.

You also use the affidavit proactively to avoid delay. Many courts will not issue any temporary orders without a complete and current affidavit. Some courts will not hold a final hearing until updated affidavits are filed. If you settle, your affidavit helps draft precise orders. It keeps negotiations grounded in verified numbers. If you ask the court to deviate from guideline child support due to significant costs or needs, your affidavit backs up the deviation request with specific figures.

Legal Characteristics of the Affidavit of Basic Information, Income, and Expenses (Ohio)

This document is legally binding because it is an affidavit. You swear to its truth before a notary or authorized officer. Your signature under oath carries the penalty of perjury for false statements. That gives the court confidence in the information. It also gives the court power to sanction dishonesty. The affidavit format ensures consistent data that courts can compare between the parties. That makes it easier to calculate child support and spousal support. It also makes it easier to decide who pays specific costs while a case is pending.

Enforceability rests on three pillars. First, your oath and notarization make your statements sworn evidence. Misstatements can lead to sanctions, fee awards, or contempt. Second, attachments that verify income and expenses make the affidavit credible. Pay stubs, benefit letters, tax returns, and invoices help the court trust the numbers. Third, the court can rely on these numbers to issue temporary and final orders. Those orders are enforceable. If a party later shows the numbers were false, the court can modify orders and address the conduct.

Legal considerations are practical. Gross income, not net income, drives many support calculations. You must disclose all income sources, even if untaxed. That includes cash tips, gig income, and in-kind perks that reduce living costs. Self-employed parties must separate business and personal expenses. Courts often disallow personal items claimed as business costs. Health insurance costs must be allocated. Only the portion that covers the child counts for child support. If a safety issue exists, ask how to protect your address in the filing. Never sign the affidavit outside a notary’s presence. If your facts change, update your affidavit promptly. A stale affidavit can hurt your credibility and delay your hearing.

How to Fill Out an Affidavit of Basic Information, Income, and Expenses (Ohio)

1) Gather your documents.

• Collect your last three months of pay stubs. Include year-to-date figures.
• Locate last year’s W-2 or 1099, and your most recent tax return.
• Print benefit letters for unemployment, disability, pension, or Social Security.
• Gather proof of health insurance premiums and coverage levels.
• Pull daycare invoices, school fee statements, and receipts for child costs.
• Collect mortgage or lease, property tax, and homeowner’s insurance records.
• Gather utility bills for electric, gas, water, trash, phone, and internet.
• Bring car loan statements, insurance, maintenance, parking, and transit costs.
• Collect statements for credit cards, student loans, and personal loans.
• Gather proof of child support or spousal support paid to others.
• If self-employed, prepare a current profit and loss statement.
• If military, print your latest Leave and Earnings Statement.

2) Complete the case caption.

• Fill in the correct court and county.
• Enter the case number exactly as assigned. If new, leave blank until filed.
• List your name and the other party’s name in the correct roles.
• Match the roles to the initial filing. Do not switch them later.
• Add the judge or magistrate if known.

3) Provide basic personal information.

• Enter your full legal name, date of birth, and contact details.
• List your employer, job title, and work address.
• Enter the other party’s basic information if requested.
• If married, list the marriage date and separation date.
• Identify each minor child’s name and birth date.
• State who the children live with and the parenting schedule, if set.
• Note any existing support orders and their amounts.

4) Disclose employment details.

• State whether you are employed, self-employed, unemployed, or retired.
• List your employer, hire date, pay rate, and pay frequency.
• If you work multiple jobs, list each job separately.
• If self-employed, describe the business and its nature.
• If unemployed, state the last day worked and reason.
• If you expect to return to work, explain the timeline.

5) Report gross income precisely.

• Use gross income, not take-home pay.
• Include hourly wages, salary, overtime, and shift differentials.
• Include bonuses, commissions, and tips. Use an average if needed.
• Include self-employment income after ordinary business expenses.
• Include rental income, interest, dividends, and royalties.
• Include pension, annuity, and retirement withdrawals if regular.
• Include unemployment, workers’ compensation, and disability benefits.
• Include Social Security retirement or disability. Exclude SSI as income if asked, but disclose it if received.
• Include military allowances that reduce living costs.
• If income varies, average over a reasonable period. Explain your method.

6) List allowable deductions.

• List federal, state, and local taxes withheld.
• List Medicare and Social Security withholdings.
• List mandatory union dues and mandatory retirement contributions.
• List health, dental, and vision insurance premiums that you pay.
• Allocate only the child’s share for child support calculations.
• List court-ordered child support for other children you actually pay.
• List spousal support you actually pay under an order.

7) Detail health insurance facts.

• State who provides health insurance for the child and at what cost.
• Identify the monthly premium for yourself only.
• Identify the monthly premium for the child only.
• If you cannot separate the child’s cost, describe your method to allocate.
• Note any Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account contributions.

8) Itemize work-related childcare.

• List average monthly daycare costs needed for work or training.
• Attach invoices that show the provider and rate.
• Note any childcare assistance or subsidies you receive.

9) Report extraordinary child costs.

• List uninsured medical, dental, or vision costs. Use a monthly average.
• List therapy, tutoring, or special needs costs.
• List extracurricular fees if they are significant and recurring.
• Explain any seasonal or one-time spikes and how you averaged them.

10) Prepare your monthly expense budget.

• Use your actual average costs. Avoid guesses.
• Housing: rent or mortgage, property tax, insurance, HOA, and repairs.
• Utilities: electric, gas, water, sewer, trash, phone, and internet.
• Food and household supplies. Separate from dining out if you can.
• Transportation: car payment, gas, maintenance, insurance, parking, and transit.
• Personal: clothing, haircuts, hygiene, and basic grooming.
• Insurance: life and disability premiums you pay.
• Debts: credit card minimums, personal loans, and student loans.
• Court-ordered payments: support, fines, or restitution if relevant.
• Child-related: school lunches, supplies, and activity fees not covered above.
• Medical: premiums not listed earlier and routine co-pays.
• Use bank statements to confirm your averages.

11) Convert pay to monthly amounts.

• Weekly pay: multiply by 4.333.
• Biweekly pay: multiply by 2.167.
• Semi-monthly pay: multiply by 2.
• Annual amounts: divide by 12.
• Be consistent across all entries.

12) Complete any debts section if included.

• List creditor names, balances, and minimum payments.
• Identify joint versus individual debts if the form requests it.
• Note any debts in default or collections.

13) Explain special income situations.

• Seasonal workers: average over 12 months and note peak months.
• Overtime and bonuses: average over 6 to 12 months.
• New job: provide hire date and first pay date.
• Recent layoff: provide separation date and benefits status.
• Cash tips or gig work: attach logs or summaries with dates and totals.
• Self-employment: attach profit and loss and a list of ordinary expenses.

14) Attach proof.

• Attach your recent pay stubs. Include year-to-date totals.
• Attach last year’s W-2 or 1099 and your latest tax return.
• Attach benefit award letters for unemployment or disability.
• Attach proof of health insurance premiums and coverage levels.
• Attach daycare invoices and receipts.
• Attach proof of support paid to others, such as pay history.
• Attach business financials if self-employed. Include bank statements if needed.
• Label each attachment. Refer to each label in the form.

15) Review for accuracy and completeness.

• Check every number. Make sure totals add up.
• Confirm you used gross income where required.
• Make sure you did not double-count any expense.
• Confirm that the child’s insurance cost is correctly allocated.
• Fill every blank. Use “0” or “N/A” rather than leaving blanks.

16) Sign in front of a notary.

• Do not sign until a notary or court clerk is present.
• Bring a government-issued photo ID.
• Read the perjury statement above the signature block.
• Sign and date where indicated. The notary will complete the jurat.

17) Make copies and file.

• Make at least two copies: one for you and one to serve.
• File the original with the clerk.
• Serve the other party according to the rules for your case.
• Keep proof of filing and proof of service.

18) Update as needed.

• If your income changes, file an updated affidavit before any hearing.
• Update health insurance and childcare data as it changes.
• Bring fresh pay stubs and invoices to court.

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Using take-home pay instead of gross income.
• Guessing monthly expenses without documents.
• Including a new spouse’s income when not asked.
• Claiming personal costs as business expenses.
• Failing to separate the child’s share of an insurance premium.
• Leaving out cash income or tips.
• Signing without a notary.

Practical tips that help:

• Use a consistent 12-month lookback for variable income.
• Round to whole dollars only if your court prefers it. If not, use exact amounts.
• Keep a simple spreadsheet with dates and amounts. Update it monthly.
• If an expense is shared with someone else, list only your share.
• If you receive regular help from family or friends, disclose it. Note the amount and frequency.
• If safety is a concern, ask the clerk about address confidentiality options before filing.

By completing this affidavit with care, you give the court clear data. You make faster, fairer orders more likely. You also protect your credibility. Accurate numbers save time and reduce conflict. If something is uncertain, explain it in a short note. Clear notes help the court understand your situation.

Legal Terms You Might Encounter

• Affidavit: This is a written statement you sign under oath. By signing, you swear the information is true. This form is an affidavit. Treat every answer as a sworn statement.
• Affiant: That’s you, the person completing and signing the affidavit. Your name appears in the caption and signature block. You alone certify the numbers you list.
• Notary Public: A notary verifies your identity and watches you sign. You must sign this affidavit in front of a notary. The notary completes the acknowledgment at the end.
• Perjury: This is lying under oath. False statements can lead to penalties or sanctions. Be accurate and consistent with your records.
• Gross Income: This is your income before taxes and deductions. The form usually asks for gross, not net. Include wages, overtime, bonuses, and benefits you can convert to cash.
• Net Income: This is your take-home pay after taxes and deductions. Use net only if the form specifically asks for it. Don’t mix net figures into gross income sections.
• Imputed Income: A court can assign income to you based on your earning capacity. This can happen if you are underemployed by choice. Your affidavit should still show your real numbers.
• Self-Employment Income: This is your business profit after business expenses. It is not gross receipts. Attach a simple profit and loss statement if you can.
• Spousal Support: Money paid by one spouse to the other. List payments you pay or receive. Note any current orders so totals match your pay records.
• Child Support: Money paid for children’s needs. Report what you currently pay or receive. List arrears and the amount withheld from your pay, if any.
• Health Insurance: Coverage for you or your children. Note who pays the premium and the monthly cost. List the children covered and any out-of-pocket costs.
• Extraordinary Expenses: These are large or unusual costs beyond basic living expenses. Common examples include uninsured medical costs or special needs. Name them and show the monthly average.

FAQs

Do you have to sign this form in front of a notary?

Yes. Bring photo ID. Do not sign until the notary tells you to sign. The notary will complete the acknowledgment and stamp the form.

Do you include overtime, bonuses, or tips?

Yes. Include all income you earn or expect to earn. If these vary, average them over a reasonable period. Show how you calculated the average.

Do you list your new spouse’s income?

No, not as your income. You list your own income only. If household contributions reduce your expenses, reflect that in the expense amounts.

Do you need to attach pay stubs or tax returns?

Often, yes. Many courts expect recent pay stubs and last year’s tax return. Attach W‑2s or 1099s if you have them. Match attachment dates to the income period you report.

Do you include government benefits?

Yes, if they count as income to you. List unemployment, disability, and cash assistance. For non-cash benefits, follow the form’s instructions. Note any health coverage benefits in the insurance section.

Do you list joint debts and household bills?

Yes, if you pay them. Show your actual monthly out-of-pocket share. If someone else pays a bill, do not double-count it as your expense.

Do you have to update the affidavit if your income changes?

Yes, if the court requires updated figures or your circumstances change. File an updated affidavit or a supplement as soon as you can. Bring updated documents to any hearing.

Do you round numbers?

Use exact numbers when possible. If rounding is needed, round to the nearest dollar. Keep your method consistent across the form.

Checklist: Before, During, and After the Affidavit of Basic Information, Income, and Expenses (Ohio)

Before you sign

Gather identification:

• Government-issued photo ID for notarization.

Collect income records:

• Last three months of pay stubs.
• Last year’s tax return with W‑2s or 1099s.
• Unemployment or disability benefit statements.
• Pension, annuity, or Social Security statements.
• Proof of bonuses, commissions, or tips.
• For self-employment: profit and loss and recent bank statements.

Compile expense proof:

• Rent or mortgage statement and property tax if applicable.
• Utility bills (electric, gas, water, internet, phone).
• Childcare invoices or provider statements.
• Health insurance premium statement and EOBs for out-of-pocket costs.
• Medical, dental, and prescription receipts.
• Transportation costs (fuel, passes, parking), and insurance premiums.
• Loan statements (car, student loans, personal loans).
• Credit card statements for recurring essentials.
• Union dues and mandatory professional fees.
• Retirement contributions and loan repayments.

Support orders and related records:

• Current child support or spousal support orders.
• Payment histories or wage withholding statements.
• Proof of arrears or credits.

Case details:

• Case caption, numbers, and judge or magistrate name.
• Contact info for the other party or their attorney.

Organize documents:

• Create a simple monthly budget worksheet.
• Note any income that fluctuates and your averaging method.

During signing

Confirm the caption:

• Your name, the other party’s name, and the case number.

Check your status:

• Marital status and number of dependents.
• Your employment and pay frequency (hourly, weekly, biweekly, or monthly).

Verify income entries:

• Use gross income where the form asks for it.
• Separate overtime, bonuses, and commissions.
• For self-employment, enter net profit, not gross receipts.
• Attach a brief note showing your averaging period.

Review deductions and withholdings:

• Taxes, insurance premiums, retirement, union dues, and support.
• Make sure deductions match pay stubs.

Confirm expense categories:

• Housing, utilities, food, transportation, childcare, insurance, medical, debts.
• Use monthly figures; convert weekly or biweekly amounts to monthly.
• Avoid listing the same bill in two categories.

Health insurance details:

• Who is covered and who pays the premium.
• Monthly cost for the children’s coverage.

Existing support:

• Amounts you pay or receive.
• Arrears balance and monthly arrears payment, if any.

Attachments:

• Label each attachment with a short description and date range.
• Cross-reference attachments in the form if there is a space to do so.

Final review:

• No blanks where a “0” or “N/A” is needed.
• Contact info is current.
• All pages are present and in order.

Notarization:

• Bring ID. Sign only in front of the notary.
• Ensure the notary completes all required fields and seal.

After signing

Make copies:

• One for filing. One for you. One for the other party or their attorney.

File the affidavit:

• Follow the court’s filing method (in person or e-filing).
• Include any required cover sheet or form identifiers.

Serve the other party:

• Use the service method allowed by the court.
• Complete any certificate of service if required.
• Keep proof of service.

Calendar key dates:

• Hearing dates and any update deadlines.
• Due dates for supplemental documents.

Protect sensitive data:

• Redact full account numbers and full Social Security numbers if needed.
• Store copies in a secure folder.

Prepare for hearings:

• Bring the affidavit and attachments.
• Bring updated pay stubs if time has passed since filing.

Update as needed:

• File a new affidavit if your income or expenses change.
• Notify the court and the other party of updates.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mixing gross and net income

• Consequence: Your totals will not match your pay stubs. The court may question your credibility.
• Tip: Use gross income unless the form asks for net. Check each section header.

Guessing instead of using records

• Consequence: Inaccurate numbers can lead to orders you cannot meet.
• Tip: Average variable income and expenses with actual documents. Don’t forget irregular costs.

Omitting overtime, bonuses, or side gigs

• Consequence: The other party may point out missing income. You may face penalties or corrections.
• Tip: Disclose all income sources. Explain how you calculated averages.

Listing the same expense twice

• Consequence: Your budget looks inflated. The court may discount your expenses.
• Tip: Place each bill in one category only. Check for duplicates before signing.

Signing without a notary or leaving blanks

• Consequence: The court may reject your filing. You lose time and may miss deadlines.
• Tip: Fill every field with a number or “N/A.” Sign in front of a notary and verify the seal.

What to Do After Filling Out the Form

1) File with the court

• Submit the signed, notarized affidavit and your attachments. Follow the court’s filing process. If e-filing, upload clear, legible PDFs. If filing in person, bring the original and copies.
• Check whether the court needs a cover sheet or additional form. Attach it if required.

2) Serve the other party

• Provide a copy to the other party or their attorney. Use the service method permitted by the court.
• Complete any certificate of service. File it with the court if required.
• Keep proof of service. Save mail receipts or electronic confirmations.

3) Bring documents to your hearing

• Take the affidavit, attachments, and a simple summary of your monthly numbers.
• Bring updated pay stubs and any new bills if time has passed. Mark new documents as “Updated.”

4) Monitor deadlines and updates

• Track any court order to update your affidavit. Some courts need fresh numbers for each hearing.
• If your income or expenses change, file a new affidavit or a supplement. Serve the other party.

5) Correct errors promptly

• If you spot a mistake after filing, fix it. File an amended affidavit or a short supplement that corrects the line item. Label it clearly so the court can follow the change.
• Do not strike through and re-scan a signed original. Prepare a clean corrected version and re-sign before a notary if required.

6) Secure and organize your records

• Store your filing confirmation and stamped copies. Keep a checklist of what you served and when.
• Maintain a monthly folder with new pay stubs, bills, and benefit statements. This makes updates fast.

7) Communicate changes early

• If you lose or change a job, document the date and new pay details. Update the affidavit right away.
• If a large bill ends or starts, note it. Adjust your expense section in your next filing.

8) Align with other filings

• Make sure numbers match related forms you file. Align income and expense figures across all documents.
• If totals differ, add a short explanation. For example, “Updated pay rate effective [date].”

9) Keep a clean audit trail

• Maintain an index of attachments and dates covered. The court can review your numbers quickly.
• Use consistent naming: “Pay Stubs Mar–May,” “Childcare Jan–Jun,” “Insurance Premiums Q2.”

10) Prepare for future modification

• If a support order will be set or modified, expect to update your affidavit. Keep your file current.
• Continue tracking variable income and unusual expenses. Averaging becomes easier over time.