A court in Tennessee uses several criteria to make an appropriate determination for child support during a child support hearing. In Tennessee, parents are obligated to support a minor child until the child turns age 18, or age 19 if the child is still enrolled in high school, whichever comes first. Here is some more information about elements considered in a Tennessee child support case:
Income Sources
Child support is calculated by adding the adjusted gross income of both parents. This amount is then used to calculate the basic child support order. Adjusted gross income (AGI) includes:
- Adding social security benefits paid to the child
- Deducting self-employment taxes from a parent's income
- Deducting child support for any other children for whom a parent is responsible
Child Support Factors
Tennessee courts base child support calculations on an Income Share model, meaning that the amount is determined based on what a child would have been entitled to had the parents' relationship continued. A court in Tennessee will consider the following factors prior to deviating from a normal child support calculation:
- Extraordinary educational expenses
- Income of the parents
- Extraordinary medical expenses
- Special expenses (i.e. art lessons, travel, extracurricular activities)
- Any other relevant factors
Non-Income Based Child Support Factors
In addition to income-based child support, a judge may order a parent to:
- Add a child to the parent's health care coverage - If a non-custodial parent has access to health insurance, a Tennessee court may expect a parent to contribute.
- Cash Medical Support - If a non-custodial parent does not have access to health coverage, a Tennessee court may expect a parent to contribute to a public, managed care plan to support a child's medical needs.
- Contribute to child care expenses.
For more information about factors considered in a child support order in Tennessee, speak with a qualified attorney in Tennessee or refer to the Tennessee Child Support Guidelines.