Child Support in Tennessee Is Formula-Driven, But the Outcome Depends on the Details
Tennessee uses the “Income Shares Model” to calculate child support, meaning both parents contribute based on their respective incomes and parenting time. However, the numbers going into the formula — income, credits, deductions, insurance costs, childcare expenses, and overnights — can be disputed, misunderstood, or manipulated.
Whether you are seeking a fair child support award, defending against excessive payments, or requesting a modification, having skilled legal guidance ensures the numbers are accurate and the outcome reflects the true needs of the child.
We help parents throughout Tennessee calculate, modify, enforce, and defend child support obligations.
How Child Support Is Calculated in Tennessee
Child support is based on a complex worksheet that considers:
1. Each Parent’s Gross Monthly Income
This includes:
- Salary or hourly wages
- Bonuses
- Overtime (when regular/consistent)
- Commissions
- Self-employment income
- VA benefits
- Disability benefits
- Unemployment
- Rental income
- Retirement or pension income
- Certain passive income
Underreporting or hiding income is a major issue — and something we know how to uncover and prove.
2. Parenting Time (Number of Overnights)
The number of overnight visits significantly impacts child support.
If one parent inflates or disputes the number of overnights, we help present evidence and correct inaccuracies.
3. Child’s Health Insurance Costs
Only the portion of insurance attributed to the child counts — not the entire family plan.
4. Work-Related Childcare Costs
Daycare, after-school care, and summer care may be added to the calculations.
5. Credits for Other Children
Support obligations for other children may reduce the amount owed.
6. Adjustments for Special Needs
Children with special medical, educational, or developmental needs may require additional support.
Child support results are only as accurate as the numbers entered — and we ensure the worksheet reflects the truth.
Common Child Support Problems We Resolve
1. Disputes Over Actual Income
Examples include:
- Self-employed parents manipulating income
- Cash income not reported correctly
- Overtime that comes and goes
- Bonuses or commissions not disclosed
- Multiple job situations
- Voluntary underemployment
We obtain bank records, tax returns, profit-and-loss statements, and other documentation to establish accurate income.
2. Disagreements About Parenting Time
Parenting time is one of the most contested elements of child support.
We help:
- Prove actual overnight schedules
- Correct inaccurate claims
- Address missed visits
- Document interference
3. Modification Requests
Child support may be modified if there is a significant variance — typically 15% or more — between the current order and what a new worksheet would show.
Reasons for modification include:
- Change in income
- Change in employment
- Change in parenting time
- Increased expenses for the child
- Termination of childcare
- New medical needs
We prepare new worksheets and file petitions for upward or downward modification.
4. Enforcement of Child Support
Parents who fail to pay support face serious consequences.
We help enforce arrears through:
- Income withholding
- Contempt actions
- Garnishment
- License suspensions
- Judgments and liens
- Tax refund intercepts
We also defend parents who are accused of non-payment but have legitimate, documented reasons.
5. Child Support in High-Income or High-Asset Cases
When income exceeds Tennessee’s standard guidelines, courts have flexibility to adjust support upward based on:
- Standard of living
- Educational needs
- Lifestyle factors
- Extracurricular and travel expenses
These cases require detailed financial analysis — which we provide.
Voluntary Underemployment & Imputed Income
If a parent quits a job, reduces hours, or becomes intentionally unemployed to avoid paying support, courts may “impute” income.
The judge may assign income based on:
- Work history
- Education
- Job skills
- Prior earnings
- Local employment market
We know how to challenge improper imputation and prove when a parent’s reduction in income is legitimate — or when it's strategic.
Child Support and Taxes
Key considerations include:
- Which parent claims the child for tax purposes
- How childcare tax credits interact with support
- Whether certain reimbursements count as income
These issues can significantly affect financial outcomes.
Child Support and College Expenses
Tennessee law does not require parents to pay for college unless they voluntarily agree in writing.
We help negotiate college provisions when appropriate.
How We Help Parents in Child Support Cases
We provide full-service representation in child support matters, including:
- Running accurate worksheets
- Investigating income discrepancies
- Challenging manipulation of finances
- Filing enforcement or contempt petitions
- Negotiating fair settlements
- Presenting strong evidence at hearings
- Protecting your rights in mediation and trial
We ensure the child support amount is fair, accurate, and legally correct — not inflated or unfairly reduced.
What Courts Expect from Parents
Tennessee judges expect parents to:
- Be honest about income
- Communicate clearly
- Put the child first
- Keep accurate financial records
- Follow existing orders until modified
Parents who act in good faith typically receive favorable consideration.
Next Steps
Whether you’re pursuing fair child support, seeking a modification, enforcing arrears, or defending against an unfair claim, we can help you navigate Tennessee’s complex child support system.
Contact us today for a consultation.