Chattanooga Child Support Lawyers

Helping Clients With Child Support Matters in Tennessee

Whether you're in the midst of a divorce or are engaged in a dispute with a co-parent, child support can play an instrumental role in ensuring your child receives the resources they need to thrive.

At Conner & Roberts, PLLC, our Chattanooga child support attorneys understand how to help parents in Tennessee fight for equitable outcomes that support their parental rights and their child's future. 

Going through a child support dispute in Chattanooga, TN? Schedule a FREE consultation with one of our Chattanooga child support attorneys today by  contacting us online or  (423) 299-4489.

How Does Child Support Work in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, both of a child's parents are responsible for providing their child with the resources they need to thrive, even if that parent doesn't play an active role in the child's life.

Generally, the custodial parent (also sometimes called the "primary residential parent") receives support payments from the noncustodial parent (sometimes called the "alternative residential parent").

Child support is intended to help a child obtain the resources they need to achieve their goals and maintain a good quality of life.

Calculating Child Support Payments in Tennessee

How much child support the noncustodial parent owes the custodial parent is calculated using the cumulative Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of both parents.

AGI is determined by calculating an individual's gross income and then subtracting certain deductions, the following contribute to your AGI:

• Salary
• Wages
• Tips
• Commissions
• Pension
• Retirement Plan (401K)

Deductions may include items such as payments for other child support arrangements and social security income.

After calculating each parent's AGI, those values are then added together. That cumulative figure is used to determine how much child support a child should receive.

You can calculate the exact amount of child support you should expect to pay or receive using this child support calculator from the Tennessee Department of Human Services.

It's important to note that courts can (and often do) deviate from the child support guidelines when they feel it's appropriate. For example, a noncustodial parent who houses their child 30% of the time may pay more support than one who houses their child 49% of the time.

Child support payments are often deducted directly from the payor's income and deposited into the recipient's account by the Tennessee State Disbursement Unit.

Is My Child Support Arrangement Set in Stone?

Long story short, no. If you believe your child support arrangement no longer suits you or your child's needs, you can file a child support modification case.

Courts may change the terms of a child support order if one or more of the parties involved experienced a substantial change in circumstances since the order was issued. This may include:

• A substantial decrease or increase in the payor's income;
• A substantial decrease or increase in the recipient's income;
• The payor or recipient experiencing new financial hardships;
• The recipient remarrying;

Having a child support lawyer you can trust is vital if you want to obtain the best outcome in your Chattanooga, TN child support case. 

Modifying Child Support Orders

Life circumstances can change, and sometimes the child support arrangement that was initially established may no longer be suitable. Whether you are facing a job loss, a significant increase in income, or a change in custody arrangements, our experienced Chattanooga child support attorneys can help you modify your child support order to better reflect your current situation.

Some common reasons for modifying child support orders include:

• Changes in income for either parent
• Changes in custody arrangements
• Healthcare or educational expenses
• Relocation of one parent
• Changes in the child's needs

Our team at Conner & Roberts, PLLC is dedicated to helping you navigate the legal process of modifying child support orders in Tennessee. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our knowledgeable child support lawyers.

What Age Do You Stop Paying Child Support in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, child support typically ends when the child reaches the age of 18 or graduates from high school, whichever occurs later. 

However, there are exceptions to this rule:

• If the child has special needs or disabilities, child support may continue beyond 18.
• If the child is still in high school and has not graduated by 18, child support will continue until the child graduates or turns 19, whichever occurs first.
• In some cases, parents may agree to extend child support payments beyond the legal requirements, such as supporting a child through college or other educational pursuits.

Our team at Conner & Roberts, PLLC, understands the nuances of child support laws in Tennessee and can help you navigate any unique situations that may apply to your case.

Understanding the Importance of Child Support Agreements

Child support is more than just a financial obligation; it’s a vital component in ensuring the well-being and stability of your child’s life. A well-structured child support agreement not only provides necessary financial support but also fosters a cooperative relationship between parents, which is essential for the child’s emotional and psychological development.

At Conner & Roberts, PLLC, we emphasize the significance of clear and fair child support agreements. 

Here’s why having a solid child support plan is crucial:

• Stability for Your Child: Consistent financial support helps provide for your child's basic needs, including education, healthcare, and extracurricular activities.
• Encouraging Co-Parenting: A fair child support agreement can facilitate better communication and collaboration between parents, promoting a healthy co-parenting relationship.
• Legal Protection: Establishing a formal agreement helps protect both parents’ rights and ensures that obligations are clear and enforceable.
• Adaptability: Circumstances can change; a well-drafted agreement allows for adjustments as needed, ensuring that support remains appropriate as your child grows.
• Peace of Mind: Knowing that your child’s needs are being met can alleviate stress and allow you to focus on other important aspects of parenting.

Let our experienced Chattanooga child support attorneys guide you through the process of creating a comprehensive agreement that prioritizes your child's best interests. Contact us today to learn how we can help you establish a child support plan that works for your family.

Contact Our Chattanooga Child Support Attorneys Today

At Conner & Roberts, PLLC, our Chattanooga child support lawyers will work with you to identify and pursue an equitable outcome in your support case that enables your child to thrive.

Don't wait to schedule a FREE family law consultation with our Chattanooga child support attorney by contacting us online or calling  (423) 299-4489 today.