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How is Child Support Determined in Tennessee?

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If you are a Tennessee parent and believe you are not getting enough financial support for your children, it’s important to reexamine your child support payments. Various methodology is used to determine a payment amount, so you must ensure that your family receives the necessary financial support.

The Tennessee child support attorneys at Peterson White, LLP breakdown what you need to know if you have questions about child support payments.

The Guidelines

Tennessee has a child support calculator to help determine child support payments. The courts use these guidelines to determine how much each parent should contribute to their children’s care. The guidelines consider parents’ incomes and the time each parent spends with the children. The court will also consider any special needs or expenses related to medical care, educational costs, daycare, etc. when determining an appropriate payment amount.

Factors That Impact Payments

Certain factors can impact your child support payments, such as changes in income or additional expenses related to caring for your children. If either parent experiences a change in their income or an increase in expenses related to childcare or medical costs, you can file a petition with the court requesting a modification of your current order. This can be done on an ongoing basis if needed. Additionally, if one parent believes they are paying too much or receiving too little in child support payments, they can also request a modification based on their current circumstances.

Child Support Enforcement

In Tennessee, laws and regulations ensure that both parents fulfill their obligation by making timely payments toward their children’s care and well-being. When one parent fails to make regular payments as ordered by the court, they can be held accountable through enforcement measures such as wage garnishment or even jail time, depending on the severity of the situation.

Both parents need to understand what steps will be taken if regular payments aren’t made so that everyone involved understands what action may be taken if necessary.

Have Questions About Tennessee Child Support Payments?

We know that the child support payment methodology involves parents’ incomes and any additional expenses related to providing for your children’s care and well-being. That’s why if you have any questions about Tennessee child support payments, it’s critical to contact an experienced family law attorney.

The dedicated team at Peterson White, LLP can handle your child support payment case — whether you’re looking to make modifications or are unsure where to begin. Let our knowledgeable Tennesse family attorneys work for you to get you the best result possible. Contact us online or by phone so we can start working together. (855) 919-4124