A Complete Guide to Child Support in Tennessee
Whether you’re going through a divorce or just navigating a child custody process, a Knoxville lawyer for child support makes sure monthly payments are fair and helps simplify the complexities of child support in Tennessee.
Is child support mandatory in tennessee?
Yes, both parents are responsible for supporting the child’s welfare, and the individual paying child support must provide the primary residential parent with adequate resources for the child’s education, healthcare, housing, food, etc.
When does child support end in Tennessee?
Tennessee child support ends when the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever comes second. A special court order could specify a longer child support duration on a case-by-case basis.
How much is child support in Tennessee?
There is no standard amount for child support; instead, guidelines established by the Tennessee Department of Human Services consider the parents’ income, the number of children, the amount of parenting time, and other relevant factors.
Divorcing parents may decide on their own financial payment system while finalizing a custody agreement, if both parties are cooperative; otherwise, it will be decided by the state’s child custody laws.
Tennessee Child Support Monthly Maximums:
$2,100 for 1 child,- $3,200 for 2 children
- $4,100 for 3 children
- $4,600 for 4 children
- $5,000 for 5+ children
Tennessee’s guidelines cap monthly child support payments, but ultimately, it’s up to the court’s discretion if they’re shown a greater need for things like private schooling. If you would like an estimate for child support payments, you can use a Tennessee child support calculator.
What happens if you don’t pay child support?
Because child support in Tennessee is a legal obligation, failure to comply can result in several consequences, including withholding income, suspending your driver’s license, lowering your credit score, property liens, and even a contempt of court penalty and jail time.
What to do if you’re behind on child support:
- Make partial payments: Paying anything you can is better than nothing and shows good faith that you’re trying to catch up.
- Don’t ignore a court summons: You must respond to any summons.
- Contact a child support lawyer: With our understanding of back child support laws in Tennessee, we can help discuss your options and negotiate payment plans.
Can a mother cancel child support in Tennessee?
A parent can’t just “cancel” child support; neither can both parents simply agree to stop payments or waive past due payments with court approval. Child support is the child’s right, and there is a legal process attached to their needs; however, modifications or termination are possible under the right circumstances.
Income changes, major custody changes, stepparent adoption, medical or relocation changes could be situations that require a request to modify or terminate child support. The mother or primary residential parent would need to file a motion to terminate child support in Tennessee, show evidence, and then have a judge review and sign off on any changes.
Landry & Azevedo: Trusted Knoxville Family Lawyers for Child Support
Whether part of a divorce or a child custody case, our team of family attorneys has helped many families through the legal process of mediating and settling child support disputes. Resolving issues and creating Parenting Plans outside of the courtroom is always our priority, but we also take our court responsibilities seriously, advocating and representing the best interests of our clients.
Have more questions about child support in Tennessee? Get in touch with a Knoxville child support attorney at Landry & Azevedo to set up a free in-person consultation.
