Going through Tennessee's Child Support Program for the first time may lead to many questions. At Peterson White, LLP, we understand how important it is for parents to know their rights and responsibilities when it comes to providing financial support for their children. That's why we've compiled a list of frequently asked questions about Tennessee's Child Support Program so you can gain the knowledge needed to make informed decisions.
What Services Does Tennessee's Child Support Program Provide?
The Tennessee Child Support Program offers various services to help families in need. These include:
- Locating parents to collect child support;
- Establishing paternity;
- Setting and enforcing court orders for both child and medical support payments;
- Modifying existing court orders; and,
- Enforcing spousal support payments when they are associated with a child support order.
The Tennessee Child Support Program cannot help with civil matters such as divorce petitions, custody issues, or parenting time/visitation (but an experienced Tennessee family law attorney can).
Who Qualifies for Services?
The Tennessee Child Support Program services are available to any parent or caretaker of a child who needs assistance, regardless of their income. Custodial parents, non-custodial parents, and other caregivers alike can apply for help with the various services offered by the program.
How Can I Apply for Services?
You can apply for services offered by the Tennessee Child Support Program by either submitting an online application or downloading and printing the Application for Child Support Services. This application is available in both English and Spanish, so regardless of your preferred language, you will be able to access these resources.
After completing the form, you may mail it, fax it, or visit your local Child Support Office in person.
How Does the Non-Custodial Parent Make Payments?
For non-custodial parents, the Tennessee Child Support Program offers several payment options. The most common method is Income Withholding Orders; however, if this is unavailable, other alternatives include making payments by mail or online using automatic withdrawal, phone, mobile website, or credit card.
How Do I Check the Status of a Child Support Payment?
If you need to know the status of your child support payment, you can find this information online. Both non-custodial parents and custodial parents can view processed payments on the website. The most recent charges will appear first, but you can narrow your search by looking at payments for the current month or the last six months or selecting a date range. You can also view your entire payment history.
How Can My Child Support Order Be Enforced?
If you have a child support order but the non-custodial parent is not paying, there are several ways to enforce your order. The Tennessee Child Support Program's primary goal is to ensure families receive the support they need and deserve in accordance with their orders. Most of the enforcement tools used to collect past due payments don't require the court's involvement, but if those prove ineffective, then a court order may be necessary.
Peterson White, LLP Can Answer Your Child Support Program Questions
If you have questions or need assistance with the Tennessee Child Support Program, look no further than Peterson White, LLP. Our team of experienced attorneys is dedicated to helping families throughout the state get the support they need and deserve. We provide experienced advice and guidance on all child support-related matters, including:
- Filing applications;
- Collecting payments;
- Modifying orders; and,
- Enforcing court orders.
We are committed to providing the highest quality legal services, so don't hesitate to contact us for your child support needs. Reach out online or by phone to learn more about how we can assist you in your child support journey. (855) 919-4124