Must I pay child support if there is no visitation?

In the State of Ohio, as is commonly found elsewhere, child support and visitation matters are generally separate from one another.  This means that where a child support order does exist, whether issued by an administrative hearing at CSEA or through the court of law, visitation concerns have no bearing on its enforceability or requirements.  All child support payments must be made, even if ordered visitation rights are summarily denied by the other parent.  If a mother or father withholds child support money, so as to use this as leverage to gain or regain parenting time, or for any other reason, they may be subject to Contempt of Court charges or other penalties for nonpayment.

Ohio Revised Code

As it happens, the Ohio Revised Code is very clear on this issue.  As evidence, § 3119.09 explains that “The court shall not authorize or permit the escrowing, impoundment, or withholding of any child support payment because of a denial of or interference with a right of parenting time or visitation included as a specific provision of the child support order or as a method of enforcing the specific provisions of the child support order dealing with parenting time or visitation.”