What is the new child support law in Tennessee?

Asked by: Prof. Nathanael Bruen  |  Last update: July 4, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (19 votes)

Establishing a self-support reserve for noncustodial parents to ensure they have enough resources for basic needs while fulfilling their child support obligations. Under this change, child support orders in most cases would leave the noncustodial parent with at least $1,150 a month to live on.

How much does a father have to pay in child support in Tennessee?

When combined monthly parental income is greater than $28,250, the guideline says parents should pay the highest basic child support obligation (listed on page 71 of the Child Support Guidelines), plus a percentage of their income over $28,250: One child: 6.81 percent. Two children: 7.22 percent.

Does dad have to pay child support with 50/50?

It seems logical that if your custody is shared, you each cover costs for the child when the child is with you. However, in California, custody and child support are two separate components, and one parent may be required to pay child support to the other even in a 50/50 arrangement.

How do I get out of paying child support in Tennessee?

Depending on which comes last, when the child reaches the age of 18 or graduates high school, child support payments end. This process must begin by going through the court rather than stopping payments immediately. At this stage, the noncustodial parent must file to terminate child support in family court.

What is the Tennessee law on child support?

Parents have a legal duty to financially support their children until the child turns 18* unless the minor is emancipated. *If the child is still in high school, child support can extend past 18 until either the child (1) graduates or (2) completes the grade they were in when they turned 18.

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Can you refuse child support in Tennessee?

Child support is mandatory in Tennessee. Whether the court uses their formula or the parents come up with their own agreement, some form of child support must be paid. By law, parents are not permitted to waive child support and the court will typically reject any plan that includes an amount below the guideline.

How does Tennessee figure out child support?

Tennessee calculates child support payments based on an income share model. This method assumes that a child should receive the same share of their parent's income in divorce, as they would have received if their parents had stayed together.

What age does child support stop in Tennessee?

For most parents paying child support in Tennessee, their obligation ends when the child turns 18. If the child is still enrolled in high school at the time, the obligation to make payments ends when they have graduated with their class.

Can child support take your whole paycheck in Tennessee?

The amount you are permitted to withhold from an individual's income cannot exceed 50% of their net income (the amount after FICA, withholding taxes, and a health insurance premium that covers the child/ren have been deducted).

Can back child support be forgiven in Tennessee?

“Debt Compromise” is where the custodial parent (CP) and the non-custodial parent (NCP) enter into a legal agreement known as an “Agreed Order of Compromise and Settlement of Child Support Arrears.” This forgives some or all of the arrears owed to the CP.

Do you get more child support if you have full custody?

Generally, sole physical custody is awarded to allow a child to live in one home most of the time, and continue to attend their local school. Where joint legal custody and sole physical custody exist together, the amount of child support due will not change.

Who claims children with 50 50 custody?

Under these rules, the parent who has physical custody of the child for the greater part of the year – defined as more than 50% of the nights – typically has the right to claim the child as a dependent for tax purposes.

How much child support will I pay if I make $1000 a week?

Using a standard calculation, an individual earning $1,000 a week might pay around $250 per month for one child, though this figure can vary significantly based on specific circumstances and local county guidelines.

Does Tennessee have a cap on child support?

Generally, the maximum child support a Knoxville parent will receive looks like this: One child – $2,100 per month. Two children – $3,200 per month. Three children – $4,100 per month.

Does getting married affect child support in Tennessee?

Child support and remarriage in Tennessee

Remarriage itself does not affect child support; as a new spouse does not have a legal obligation to support step-children. Only the child's parent who is paying the child support is financially responsible, not the step-parent.

Can a father get full custody in Tennessee?

As the father, you may petition a Tennessee family court for full or joint custody. If you and the child's Mother do not have an agreement, then you will be required to participate in mediation once your petition is filed.

Is Tennessee strict on child support?

In general, child support is punishable by contempt in Tennessee. Thus, the non-paying parent may be subject to fines, imprisonment, and paying the attorney's fees of the other parent depending on the circumstances and what the Court decides to do to address the situation.

Can child support take your car?

A child support judgement can take your car to satisfy it. Remember again, child support comes first.

What is the most money child support can take?

A: The most money child support can take in California is up to 60% of a person's wages if they are only responsible for one child. If they are responsible for two or more children, then up to 50% of their wages can be garnished. Wage garnishment can sometimes be mandated by a court order.

At what age can a child refuse to see a parent in Tennessee?

Tennessee law does not specify a specific age at which a child can express their preference in a custody case. However, the court is more likely to consider the preference of an older, more mature child. Generally, children aged 12 or older are deemed to be of sufficient age and maturity to express a preference.

Can parents agree to no child support in Tennessee?

Once again, parents in Tennessee cannot agree to waive child support, even by agreement. All family law courts must follow the Tennessee Child Support Guidelines.

Does the state pay child support if the father doesn't?

To qualify to receive the other parent's tax refund for back child support, you need to make sure that you are enrolled in a tax intercept program, which you can do by contacting your local child support office or family law attorney While the state does not pay child support if the father doesn't, if you or your child ...

Do you have to pay child support if you have 50 50 custody in Tennessee?

If both parents share custody does anyone pay child support? Yes, in Tennessee child support is based off the Tennessee Child Support Guidelines. If parents share 50-50/equal parenting time, child support is based upon each parent having one hundred eighty-two and one-half (182.5) days of parenting time.

Can a mother cancel child support in Tennessee?

Most experienced Tennessee family lawyers agree with the Tennessee Court of Appeals which recommends parents owing child support that, at the appropriate time, they should file a petition to terminate child support seeking a court order stating that child support is no longer owed as of the appropriate date (often high ...

Is child support negotiable in Tennessee?

Modification of Tennessee Child Support Orders

If the amount of child support is inadequate, excessive, or if the child's situation has changed (perhaps needing mental health counseling), then either parent may ask the court to modify the amount of support. Child support cannot be modified retroactively, however.