How does the OCSH differ from the Family Courts?
The OCSH and the Family Court adjudicate child support matters. OCSH applies the same child support guidelines adopted by Family Court and its child support orders have the same force and effect as Family Court orders. But it differs from the Family Courts in the following ways: • OCSH falls within the Executive, or Administrative, branch of state government, while Family Court falls within the Judicial branch of state government. It’s authority is strictly defined by statute. Hence, the OCSH process is called “administrative” rather than judicial. • The jurisdiction of OCSH is limited to child support, while Family Court exercises jurisdiction over a broad range of family issues. • OCSH receives only cases processed through the CSEA, while Family Court receives its cases when a party files a motion or action in Family Court. • OCSH does not apply rules of evidence and procedure as strictly as the Family Courts. • Most parties represent themselves in OCSH proceedings, while attorneys r
